The YMCA Cape Cod’s Achievers Program has exploded exponentially over the past three years helping students overcome challenges in their lives and getting them ready for life beyond high school by setting goals for post-secondary education. Last year seven Dennis-Yarmouth students were invited to participate in a College Tour trip visiting both UMass Boston and Boston College. Now in its fourth year, the YMCA Cape Cod Achievers Program is spreading its full program to the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. Students as young as eighth grade will have the opportunity to join the program that has it’s first alumni graduating from college this year. The YMCA Cape Cod’s Achievers Program has a history of showing students a future that includes a college education and career options, which they may not have otherwise considered as an option.
“What is great about the Achievers Program is we follow the students from the eighth grade, or whenever they choose to start, and we don’t give up. We stick with them until they are accomplishing their dreams.” says the program’s new Coordinator Brendan Pursel, “I am honored and excited to be a part of such an amazing program and help such inspiring students.” Brendan has recently graduated from Springfield College, and has a strong passion for working with students, as well as a commitment to helping others achieve their goals.
While 80% of students in the Y Achievers Program are the first in their immediate family who will extend their education beyond high school the program is inclusive. All students must have at least a C average, and a recommendation from either a teacher, school counselor, youth leader, or caring adult community member. The Y Achievers Program takes these students who might need the extra support and gives them the tools to succeed. YMCA Cape Cod’s CEO Stacie Peugh said it best when speaking at the Achievers annual fundraiser, “The YMCA Cape Cod believes in you from the tips of your toes to the top of your heads.”
The YMCA Cape Cod Achievers are looking forward to welcoming the Dennis-Yarmouth School district into their family. Principal Tony Morrison states, ”The Young Achievers Program will bring the dreams, goals and hopes for the future, into the realm of reality for the students of Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. It is with heart felt gratitude that our DY Dolphins are being awarded the opportunity for this life altering endeavor, and we graciously thank you.”
An information session will be held at DY Regional High School on
Thursday October 18th: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more information please contact Rene King – YMCA Cape Cod Achievers Program Director. 508-362-6500 ext. 171 rking@ymcacapecod.org
About the YMCA Cape Cod
At the Y, strengthening communities is our cause. We offer affordable child care and camp to families, child nutrition programs for at-risk youth, health and fitness programs for families, Livestrong at the Y for cancer survivors, diabetes prevention & management programs, and numerous other services and programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Founded in 1966, the YMCA Cape Cod is a non-profit charitable organization serving more than 10,000 people annually in communities across Barnstable County.
