EMPOWERING TEENS TO LEAD, LEARN, & MAKE A DIFFERENCE
At the YMCA of Greenwich, we believe in nurturing the potential of every young person. Our Education & Leadership programs prepare teens for success in school, career, and life by helping them build confidence, discover their purpose, and learn how to make a positive impact in their communities.
Explore our new program launching this February: Leaders Club!
Interested in Getting Involved?
Y LEADERS CLUB (GRADES 4-12)
Developing Leaders Through Service
Begins February 5, 2026 - Fridays, 4:30PM - 5:30PM
- Jr. Leaders: Grades 4-5
- Leaders: Grades 6–8
- Sr. Leaders: Grades 9–12
Leaders Club is a nationwide YMCA program that gives teens the opportunity to become leaders and changemakers in their communities through service, mentorship, and personal development.
Participants meet weekly and follow a curriculum that focuses on seven key areas of growth: academic behaviors, belonging, growth mindset, interpersonal skills, problem solving, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy. Working in small groups, students design and lead projects that provide meaningful service to their local communities — gaining hands-on leadership experience along the way.
Each group is student-led and advisor-supported, allowing participants to grow as leaders throughout their middle school and high school years, while mentoring younger participants. Leaders Club welcomes all students who express interest. There are no academic requirements to join — instead, the program uses a strength-based approach that helps every participant build on their unique skills and abilities.
How Leaders Club Works
Leaders Club gives teens the opportunity to make a real difference in their community through hands-on service projects. Each month focuses on a new local cause, allowing participants to learn, serve, and see the impact of their efforts firsthand.
Monthly Program Structure:
- Week 1 Meeting: Learn about the community organization and service project
- Weeks 2–3 Meetings: Work together to complete the project
- Week 4 Meeting: Connect with or visit the organization you supported and see the impacted you made or perform an on-site service
To help fund these projects, participants will also sell concessions at swim meets and other YMCA events, building responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills along the way.
Monthly Service Projects:
- February: Support a local animal shelter by making dog toys
- March: Clothing and toiletry drive for Kids In Crisis
- April: Food drive benefiting Neighbor to Neighbor
- May: Activity day for local senior citizens
READY TO LEARN MORE?
We’d love to connect with you! If you or your teen are interested in learning more about Y Leaders Club, please complete the form below. A member of our team will reach out with program details, upcoming meeting dates, and next steps for getting involved.
Together, we can help today’s teens grow into tomorrow’s leaders.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We are committed to ensuring any family, regardless of financial status, feels welcome to sign up for membership and programs at the Y.
We are more than happy to walk families through the Financial Aid Application, via phone, email, or in person. This application can be submitted at any time and takes up to a week to process with the appropriate supplemental documents.
To learn more about the financial assistance we offer, visit our Financial Aid page.