Summit YMCA Prepares Teens for College with Summit Library

In the past month of March, the Summit YMCA, a branch of the local nonprofit Summit Area YMCA, has once again partnered with the Summit Library to offer their 2nd Annual College Speaker Series to the Summit community. As part of the series, speakers from around the state of New Jersey came to present topics on the admissions process, life and learning at a research university, as well as the importance of tests in the college process. Speakers this year included Jessica Taub, Metrowest Partner of Private Prep; Zachary Browzer, Admissions Representative from Montclair University; and Annette Mardarasz and Jordan Cohen, Admissions Representative and Tour Guide from Rutgers University. As Jessica Taub reflected, "We believe that the road to college doesn't have to be a stressful one. Stress can be minimized by arming yourself with the right information, starting the process early, and creating a timeline and testing strategy that's in the best interest of the student."

The Annual College Speaker Series is a part of the Summit Area YMCA’s Achievers Program. In lieu of the Summit Area YMCA’s mission to strengthen community, the charitable organization provides meaningful programming and services that include the educational development of youth and providing opportunities for children and teens to learn, grow and thrive.

“Over the past year, the Y Achievers program has helped me prepare for college with SAT prep, time management skills and reviewing potential colleges. It broadened my thoughts on career paths and provided exposure to real-life work experiences through the Novartis Mentoring Program.” said Jeannie-Marie, an alumni of the Y Achievers program. “The Y staff took the time to help us figure out our individual passions. The Achievers program guides you along the way to a bright future and I am going to college with confidence because I am prepared.”

The Y Achievers program is academic achievement/career development initiatives focused on helping teens set and pursue educational and career goals, resulting in graduation and acceptance to an institution of higher learning. At the Summit YMCA, Y Achievers expands on this goal by providing developmentally based mentorship and workshop activities designed to give 9th-12th grade students the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. As part of the program, students meet every other week to discuss topics such as interview skills, resume building, choosing the right college, etc. They also often host business professionals who are invited to share their expertise. Finally, Achievers students also benefit from three college tours annually, with 2 local trips as well as one overnight.

For more information about the Achiever’s program, visit thesay.org/achievers or contact Julie Wagenblast at 908. 273. 3330 ext. 1140 or email at julie.wagenblast@thesay.org

The Summit Area YMCA is one of area’s leading 501c3 organizations. Our programs and services are open to all through our financial assistance programs made possible through the generosity of our members, donors, staff and partners. To help strengthen your community, please make your donation today at www.thesay.org.