Third-grade reading skills predict high school graduation. That is why the Y’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program helps elementary students reading below grade level. The program focuses on phonics, writing, and reading to boost literacy skills, with enrichment activities to support physical and socialemotional growth.

Not only do children and teens have a safe place to go in the afternoon with the Y, but our Afterschool program also helps them realize who they are and all they can achieve through academic intervention, health and enrichment activities.

Day or Specialty Camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun, too!

With so many demands on today’s families and the increased focus on early brain development, families need all the support they can get to nurture the potential of youth. That’s why child care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

All kids have great potential. At the Y, we work every day to help them set and achieve personal and educational goals. Millions of children and teens build skills and confidence as they explore new interests and passions through the Y. Leadership and academic enrichment programs—including Teen Leaders Clubs, Youth and Government, and college preparation—along with our dedicated efforts to close the academic achievement gap for low-income youth ensure that every child has an opportunity to envision and pursue the best possible future.

Career exploration and pre-employment activities shall promote foundational skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking; thinking and decision making; character traits such as honesty, caring and responsibility) and build workplace competencies (using resources, interpersonal skills, information, systems and technology effectively). Youth will be exposed to various fields of interest and create personal road maps for academic and vocational success.

Whether in the summer, or just when the school day is done, we’re right there with our year-round food programs. The Y believes that children deserve every opportunity possible to learn, grow and thrive, and the meals we serve help more children get the nutrition they need for good health.

The Department of Interior is the lead agency for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside initiative. The Department was joined by the YMCA of the USA and the National League of Cities (NLC) to coordinate efforts to bridge the growing disconnect between young people and the great outdoors by creating meaningful connections to nature through four pillars: play, learn, serve and work. Locally, the YMCA of South Florida has adopted Y Fit which utilizes evidence-based fitness programs such as SPARK.

The YMCA is helping all children reach their full potential by supporting their unique youth development journeys. At more than 1,000 YMCA sites nationwide, youth are engaged in year-round STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity and teach them how to succeed.

The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. The benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out.