Great Year for Youth Development

The YWCA's youth development programs have grown by leaps and bounds over the past year.  The grant from the U. S. Justice Department and increased support from community volunteers and donors has allowed the YWCA to expand its program offerings with a special focus on low-income and at-risk children. 

The YWCA TechGYRLS® program, which served girls in two middle schools in 2010-2011 expanded to include thirteen schools in 2011-2012.  Approximately 125 girls in elementary and middle schools in Green Bay and the surrounding districts participated in this important program that focuses on the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).  In addition to introducing new educational opportunities such as Lego Robotics Explorer, the girls also participated in service projects that benefited local charities.  In May, a TechGYRLS® Experience event was held at the YWCA to provide an opportunity for girls to learn more about the program and get to know others with similar interests.  The YWCA also partnered with Wisconsin Public Service and NWTC for an Electricity Camp.  Thirty girls who participate in YWCA programs learned more about energy at this fun camp held at NWTC in June.  Several summer TechGYRLS® Camps will be held at area schools and at the YWCA on August and August.

The After School Program grew from 26 students in 2010-2011 to 57 elementary school students in 2011-2012.  Children in the program had the opportunity to participate in two field trips, one to The Pumpkin Place, where they learned about nutrition and how a farm operates, and one to St. Norbert College, where the children got to interact with SNC students and learn what it's like to live on a college campus.  The children in the After School Program also participate in service projects.  A number of community volunteers assisted with the program this year, sharing their skills and talking with the students about careers and goals for their futures.  The weekly swim lessons in the YWCA's 88 degree pool were a highlight for all of the children.  The year ended with nearly all of the children being able to swim on their own.  Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch can attend the TechGYRLS® and After School programs free of charge through the U. S. Justice Department grant. 

Teaching children an important life-saving skill is the focus of the YWCA Swim-to-Grow Program.  Funding from Schreiber Foods and the Green Bay Packers allowed the YWCA to serve 275 students from 5 schools this year.  This is an increase of 150 children and 3 schools from last year. Students from Aldo Leopold, Howe, Lincoln, Chappell and Martin elementary schools were bussed to the YWCA to once a week for 45 minutes  of lessons and 45 minutes of play swim.   Many of the children who participate in the program have never had swimming lessons and some have never even been in a pool.  After a five- or eight-week session, the majority of the children became comfortable in the water and were able to advance to the next level of swimming.  This important program helps build self-confidence and teaches children a skill they will far into the future.

For more information on YWCA Youth Development Programs, contact Michelle Pierquet-Hohner, Community Services Director, at 432-5581, ext. 143.