YMCA PARTNERS WITH THE JCPENNEY COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION TO INSPIRE STUDENTS AT TEEN SUMMIT AT PAUL QUINN COLLEGE

 

Dallas, Texas (April 22, 2019) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas will inspire and empower teens at the 2019 Y Achievers Teen Summit presented by The JCPenney Communities Foundation on Thursday, April 25. At the summit, over 300 middle and high school students from Dallas ISD, Desoto ISD, Duncanville ISD and Gateway Charter will meet on the campus of Paul Quinn College for this now biannual event.

“As one of the largest apparel and home retailers in the U.S., JCPenney has the means to make a significant impact in closing the opportunity gap and providing all kids, regardless of their background or circumstance, access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Misty Tippen, vice president of The JCPenney Communities Foundation. “The JCPenney Communities Foundation is proud to partner with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and serve as presenting sponsor of the 2019 Y Achievers Teen Summit, which will serve to equip students with the tangible and intangible things they need to achieve success as they look ahead to college, directly aligning with our commitment to bridge the gap between potential and success.”

The Y Achievers Teen Summit is a half-day event located on the campus of Paul Quinn College located at 3837 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas, Texas, 75241. This year’s theme of “Excellence In College, Work and Life” is an illustration of the commitment to developing teens no matter their direction after high school. The Y and its partners are committed to providing information, tools and tactics in a college environment to inspire achievement. 

“Investing in our young people is the absolute best means of securing our future. It is our responsibility to teach, support, nurture and wow students into their next step in life. This is our purpose for the Y-Achievers Teen Summit - to plant seeds and watch them grow through community connections and educational partnerships,” said Michele Broughton, DISD principal and Teen Summit chair. 

Partners in the 2019 Y Achievers Teen Summit are:

  • The JCPenney Communities Foundation, Presenting Sponsor;

  • AT&T, Y Achievers Grantor;

  • Dallas ISD;

  • Desoto ISD;

  • Duncanville ISD;

  • Gateway ISD;

  • University North Texas Dallas;

  • University of Texas Arlington;

  • Big Thought; and

  • Paul Quinn College.

The Y Achievers program is a national YMCA program that was started in Houston, Texas, to provide African American teens with a positive sense of self and aspirations for professional careers in the workforce. Today, the program helps low- to moderate-income students and families across the country. It empowers youth to make positive social, educational, career and personal goals through mentoring, hands-on activities, educational and vocational experiences.

“The Y Achievers Teen Summit will inspire our teens to learn, grow and thrive.  They will leave with great aspirations to bring their dreams to reality,” said Keith Vinson, VP of operations at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

The Y Achievers program at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas meets regularly throughout the year and it offers:

  • Y Achievers Academy Teen Camp;

  • Y Achievers Career Clusters;

  • Y Achievers Teen Summit – Fall and Spring; and

  • Y Achievers College Tours.

To learn more about the Y Achievers program, please visit: https://www.ymcadallas.org/y-achievers

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

At the Y, we work every day to help them set and achieve their personal and educational goals. As a result, thousands of children and teens throughout the community gain confidence as they recognize the Y as a place where they belong and can feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions.


 

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.