The Y Works For TeensMapping out the YMCA Teen Programs of Greater

Boston

• Resources such as finances and space

• Teens aren’t engaged at the Y

• Communicating effectively with teens

• Difficulty with retention/recruitment

Challenges

• Community Engagement

• Core Values: Social Responsibility, Academics, Respect, and Health

“…enhance youth development by supporting strong academic performance, increasing commitment to learning, promoting healthy lifestyles and stressing social responsibility.” – YMCA website

YMCA Fundamentals

• Represent change and bring change to the Y

• Part of the surrounding community

• Are a source of future membership

Why Teens Are Important

•Prepare them for their future with job training, “academic enhancement resources,” college prep

•A hangout spot that keeps them off the streets and out of trouble

•Engage them mentally and physically

•Give them purpose through awesome programs and events

What We Can Do For Them

WHO’S AT THE Y?- City-Wide Overview -

72%

17%

Yes No

Yes 23% 38%

No 18% 22%

School

Teens that want to attend college:- 92% of Blacks- 82% of Whites- 80% of Asians- 73% of Multi-Racial- 64% of Hispanics

Basic key insights to a healthy teen relationship: Safety Ownership Adult Support Challenge Cool Identity

Thesis: There will be a positive correlation between the teens’ overall experience at the Y, and how he/she rates the ability of the Y to fulfill these basic categories.

Teen Experience Study

Provide a sense of protection from: Danger Physical/Verbal/Emotion Abuse Social Injustice

Gain their trust

Act as support

Give each teen individual attention

Give and receive respect

Engage the teens

Conduct meaningful activities

Challenge teens to be better

Create an environment where teens are: Respected and accepted by their peers and the adults Safe from criticism and judgment Encouraged to express themselves

Expose them to a variety of activities and programs

Provide opportunities to learn about themselves Interests Dreams Sensitive issues like drugs, alcohol, sexuality, dating

Allow them to have control over their time, make decisions

Set aside a space to hangout, like the Teen Center

Give them a sense of belonging/purpose

Create 2 questions pertaining to each key insight (rating scale of 1-5)

Sample size of around 30 teens per Y location* Include a final question asking teens how they would rate

their overall experience at the YMCA Aggregate the results of the two questions in order to get a

rating out of 10 representing the category as a whole Find significance of each category by correlating results to

final question asking overall experience Assign weights out of 100%

Safety 21% Ownership 24%

Challenge 18% Cool 18%

Adult Support 10% Identity 9%

City-Wide Teen Sentiments

COMMENTS SECTION“At the YMCA everyone is so

caring. We are like family.”

Particular Times of the Year That Teens Don’t Go to the Y?

• Mainly during the solstice seasons, summer and winter

• Answers were inconsistent on specific days of the week that teens don’t go

• Common answers: Sports practice/ after-school extracurriculars Summer (vacation and summer jobs) Winter (“weather sucks”) When school gets intense (exams)

What Could the Staff Do To Improve the Teen Experience?

• 30% teens were completely satisfied with the staff’s performance and said “nothing”

• Answers vary by Y, and the resources they have available

• Common answers: Offer a diverse set of activities and field trips Interact more on a personal level Extend open-gym hours Provide snacks Inform them better of what’s available

Favorite Part?• Common answers: Hanging out with friends and staff members The free activities like basketball, pool, weight-room Meeting new people from different schools Field trips and events

“Having fun with my friends. It’s a great time to socialize. I feel part of a special community.”” – Huntington

“Playing basketball during open gym, and hanging out with Reggie.” – Hyde Park

“Being able to have the freedom to choose what activities I want to do.” – The Wang

“The friendly and carefree atmosphere.” – Oak Square

“I can play basketball, and hang with friends. It’s a chance to get out of the house.” – Dorchester

“To workout and relieve stress.” – East Boston

“I love the staff, and I feel completely safe. It’s just fun.” – Egleston

“It’s a cool space to be with friends after school.” – Roxbury

“Everything.” – West Roxbury

Main Reason They Go?• Common answers: To stay off the streets and out of trouble To participate in the one of the available activities For a place to hangout with friends after school To get in shape. General fitness.

“So I can get out of my house and have fun.” – Dorchester

“Mainly to get help with my homework.” (Warning: minority answer) – East Boston

“To gain experience, and learn more to help me for the future.” – Egleston

“To have a safe place to hangout with friends.” – Huntington

“To practice on my basketball skills.” – Hyde Park

“Dance, meet new with friends, and workout. I love the dance studio.” – Oak Square

“To get to know more people and have fun.” – Roxbury

“To hangout or meet up with friends. Also to play basketball.” – The Wang

“To be fit so that I can do well in sports. Also, playing basketball and to chill with friends.” – West Roxbury

Thank you! Individual Reports Yet to Come…