The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity's Y Achievers Program received an $800,000 donation from Comcast, the largest in YMCA Philadelphia's history.
"The YMCA is grateful for this tremendous commitment from Comcast," said John Flynn, CEO of the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity. "Both the Y and Comcast are dedicated to building strong communities and this gift is an example of how corporations can help improve the lives of young people in the communities that we serve. With Comcast's support, the Y Achievers Program will be able to serve more students with broader services, creating a win-win situation for all."
Comcast's donation projects to help double the 500 students currently participating in the Y Achievers Program, and provide the YMCA with funding to improve the program's infrastructure, recruit additional staff and teen mentors. The additional funding will also be applied to the program's current offerings, including college tours, parental support programs, college readiness training, SAT preparation and tutoring.
"Comcast is thrilled to provide this gift to the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity, as it will enable the Y Achievers program to grow dramatically and serve more students," said Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen. "Moreover, Y Achievers is a model program that helps youth learn about careers and build relationships, and we are very proud to help provide our area's young people with opportunities for success."
The YMCA Y Achievers Program is an extracurricular educational and team mentoring program that focuses on 7th - 12th grade minority youth and engages them in leadership training, career exploration and character development. Participants also meet semimonthly at local universities to take part in training and workshops aimed at developing and mentoring career interest.
The financial contribution is part of the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC), in which businesses are encouraged to support state education via donation.
