All kids have great potential. At the Y, a leading nonprofit strengthening community through youth development, we work every day to help them set and achieve their personal and educational goals. As a result, millions of children and teens nationwide gain confidence as they recognize the Y as a place where they belong and can feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions. Through our leadership and academic enrichment programs such as mentoring, Youth and Government and college preparation, the Y makes sure that every child has an opportunity to envision and pursue a positive future, and to take an active role in strengthening his or her community.
NOTE: YMCA Youth Leadership Program offerings vary by location and time of year.
Youth Fitness
The YMCA of Delaware offers a variety of options to improve fitness levels for kids and teens. Let’s keep our teens moving and growing
together! Youth sports at the Y are great for young athletes to learn teamwork and fundamental skills of a sport while building self-confidence. Plus, our fitness classes and supplemental youth training can encourage and challenge youth and teens to exercise for overall wellness!
Black Achievers
The Black Achievers program provides college-readiness and career-awareness to African American teens in Wilmington. African American mentors from diverse career fields are nominated by the local business community to serve as role models, preparing participants for future success. The Achievers meet weekly for one year at the Walnut Street YMCA. The year culminates with an Annual Awards Dinner to honor the Adult Achievers and recognize Teen Achievers who are eligible for scholarships.
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Essence Legacy Performing Arts
YMCA Essence Legacy Performing Arts (E.L.) for youth has provided New Castle County teens a safe outlet since 2016. It’s recently expanded from a Percussion & Drill team and Cheerleading. A program that started with just 16 participants of drummers and steppers has grown to over 90 performers enrolled. Our members compete across the Mid-Atlantic, support community organizations and events by performing and volunteering throughout the year.
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Leaders in Training Summer Camp
Recognizing that high school students can get more out of a summer camp program, YMCA Leader in Training programs at YMCA Summer Camps are centered on building skills for teens. Teens learn through daily leadership workshops and shadowing staff while working together on a variety of projects. Our staff and Leader in Training participants form a mentoring relationship- providing feedback and insight into their efforts on the different tasks they take on.
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Walnut St. YMCA Teen T.H.R.I.V.E Center
Monday – Friday during the school year
Ages 13 to 17
After School until 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Teen T.H.R.I.V.E Center supports middle and high school students (ages 13–17) in New Castle County during the academic school year. Our after-school program is built around four core pillars: Academic Support, Social, Emotional & Behavioral Growth, Health & Wellness and Family Resources.
Students connect with qualified staff for personalized goal-setting, workshops, and one-on-one assistance — all in a welcoming, judgment-free space. We partner with local schools to serve 6th–9th graders who need extra support in academics, attendance, behavior, social skills, emotional regulation, or access to family resources. Parents are welcome too — we provide resources to strengthen family connections and open new opportunities for your household.
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After registering, please complete this form.
These programs are made possible through the generosity of:
Teen Workforce Development
The YMCA Teen Workforce Development program provides job readiness and life skills for teens ages 15 and up.
Cohorts of up to 20 teens are matched with a professional career mentor. Teens participate in workshops focusing on life skills and job readiness. Topics include resume writing, financial literacy, stress management, conflict resolution, etiquette, public speaking, presentations, career guidance, interviewing techniques, job searching and placement. Each participant will be placed within a partnering agency and/or welcomed in at least one of the following departments within the YMCA: Youth Sports, Aquatics and Lifeguarding, Childcare, Membership, Maintenance, and Community Outreach.
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Youth in Government (grades 6-12)
Youth in Government offers model legislative and judicial experiences for youth in grades 6-12. Students have an opportunity to learn about the legislative process, debate parliamentary procedure, and work with peers to develop solutions to problems affecting Delawareans. Weekly meetings begin in January and continue leading up to the Training and Elections Conference in mid-March, and the culminating event, Model Legislative and Judicial Conferences in early April. Both events will take place in Dover, DE at Legislative Hall and the Kent County Courthouse.
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