Youth and Teen Outreach

As our nation continues to face serious chronic and community challenges, the Y believes we must invest in our children, the country's health and our neighbors.

Today, across the country, Ys are making a difference in Youth Development.  Nine million youth are taking a greater interest in learning; making smarter life choices; and cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, the pursuit of higher education and goal achievement.

The Y is piloting and testing evidence-based models to significantly expand our ability to provide early learning programs in low-income and immigrant communities. This will better prepare children for success in school.

On a national level, the Y is partnering with the Lumina Foundation to expand access to college and provide financial aid to more than 40,000 low-income high school seniors.

In the Greater St. Louis area, the Y is committed to work to ensure every young person from 5 to 15 years of age has the opportunity to become a healthy and productive member of society.  Programs like Climbing Above Conflict; Youth in Government; Teen Leaders and Junior Leaders; and Science Gone Mad will help us achieve our goals.