Empowering All Youth to Reach Their Full Potential
At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we believe that all kids have amazing potential.
The values and skills learned early are vital building blocks for life, and young people deserve an opportunity to discover who they are. From the youngest in our child care programs to the teens in our leadership development initiatives, the YMCA gives kids and teens a safe place to belong, achieve new goals and build relationships.
As youth development experts, we're raising the BAR for all youth. The YMCA fosters a sense of belonging in all programs, realizing and celebrating achievement and cultivating positive relationships. Our YMCA core values — Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility — guide our programs as we conduct them in safe, inclusive spaces.
Early Care & Education
Values and skills learned early are vital building blocks, and each young person deserves an opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. YMCA's Early Learning programs provide children with the critical knowledge and social-emotional skills they need to be life-long learners.
Out-of-School Time
When school is out, children need a safe place to continue learning and building on their skills while having fun. Positive adult role models at the YMCA provide guidance and offer encouragement as they learn, grow, and make decisions that shape their future.
Healthy Living for Kids, Teens & Families
Learning to develop a healthy lifestyle helps youth, teens and families avoid illnesses, have more energy and build confidence. The YMCA offers opportunities to learn about healthy decision-making and be active. Art, dance and theater classes unlock creativity.
Our Impact
90
%
of children in YMCA Early Learning programs are ready for kindergarten (more than double the state and local averages).
44,000
+
children participate in our Youth Development programs annually.
58
Before & After School Child Care sites ensure school age youth have homework help and meal or snack while parents work.
2,600
school-age youth are served in YMCA Day and Enrichment Camps each summer while parents are at work.
Raising the BAR for Youth
Our programs are intentionally designed to focus on our primary outcomes:
