SVM in the Community

Throughout its thirteen-year history, SVM has always taken an active role in the community. In the past, we have supported local school programs and activities, the “Touched by Cancer Annual Golf Tournament” and the “Beginning Steps to Independence Program” at the Conductive Center for Education. Recently, SVM has focused their charitable efforts on a specific program within the Central YMCA Cornerstone Project. This program, the “Y-Achievers Program”, is committed to enhancing academic, personal and career goals of youth from diverse backgrounds. The goal is to develop innovative leaders by providing programs that foster interaction between youth and adult role models from the community.

All students are invited to participate in this program, which makes Y-Achievers very diverse. The main focus is on ethnicity’s that are under-represented in college. The program includes career awareness sessions with volunteers from numerous corporations and organizations who plan and lead activities that expose students to real jobs in various industries. The Y-Achievers take part in academic sessions that focus on life skills, such as goal setting, financial management, cultural awareness and college preparation. The program also includes a student advisory committee where participants meet with a program director to help generate ideas for future programs and activities. And finally, Y-Achievers are recognized for their achievements at a number of banquets and award ceremonies and have constant positive reinforcement.

Everyone at SVM believes that a positive and healthy development for all young people is key to future success. SVM felt this program was especially well designed and has extremely well focused and achievable goals.

Y-Achievers is the first program of its kind in Santa Clara Valley and is based on the Black Achievers Program developed in 1971 by Dr. Leo B. Marsh and members of the Harlem, NY YMCA. For more information, contact SVM or the Central YMCA in San Jose.