Thousands of youth will have free access to the Y’s wellbeing and youth enrichment programs from June 5 through September 4
Minneapolis, MN – The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and the YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will offer free memberships for thousands of teens and young adults across the Twin Cities. From June 5 to August 31, teens can access this free membership to 19 YMCA locations throughout the Twin Cities.
The YMCA is positioned to help ensure that youth of all backgrounds and incomes have access to learning opportunities outside of school. The Y’s locations cut across city, county and school district boundaries. More than 80 percent of Twin Cities teens live within 15 minutes of a YMCA location that offers opportunities for wellness, sports, leadership activities, STEM projects and more.
This year the YMCA will offer teens entering 9th through 12th grade an opportunity to be engaged in fitness and wellness programming at the Y. They will also have opportunities for in-person and virtual programming including:
- health and wellbeing classes
- access to gymnasium, fitness floor and aquatics areas
“I like Get Summer at the YMCA because we talk about things that matter and that affect us,” said Nick from the Minneapolis area.
“Youth Development programs are so important to make sure youth are involved in positive activities that help them grow to become a healthier person, be better students, siblings and friends to others,” said Chicka Merino, community program director for the YMCA of the North. “We intentionally engage in conversations about job and leadership skills, mental health and take time to teach coping strategies like meditating, breathing and stretching techniques.”
“The Y’s Get Summer program’s quality out-of-school time educational activities and healthy exercise activities provide safe and productive ways for teens to spend their summer,” said Mark Dienhart, president and CEO of the Schulze Family Foundation. “The Schulze Family Foundation is pleased to support the YMCA and its Get Summer program for teen-age youth in our community.”
“The YMCA is thrilled to provide a safe environment for young people to engage in wellbeing programs that promote healthy living, build character and leadership, and support success in school and in life,” said Glen Gunderson, president for the YMCA of the North. “The Y is committed to eliminating barriers to participation so all have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive during out of school time.”
For more information, visit www.ymcanorth.org/getsummer.
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 167 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.