The YMCA of Delaware strives to foster the principles of love, caring, inclusiveness, justice, and peace into the lives of all individuals, families and communities. Continuing this mission, the Y has placed a special emphasis on teen development in Delaware’s communities. In order to develop the social, emotional, academic, and physical wellbeing of the youth and cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement, the YMCA of Delaware offers a host of teen programs. 

 The Essence Legacy Drill Team gives teens the opportunity to learn the art of music and drill, while developing life-long friendships and character. This program will be competing in nationals, for the second time in two years. The Y’s Workforce Development Program focuses on providing teens with the skills they need to enter a competitive work market through a hands-on internship at the YMCA or community business partner. The New Castle County-based Black Achiever’s Program provides career awareness for African American teens through the help of nominated mentors from diverse career fields. The YMCA’s Youth in Government Program offers model legislative and judicial experiences for the leaders of tomorrow, youth in grades 6-12. This program develops debate and public speaking skills and creates solutions to problems affecting Delawareans. In order to spread its mission of teen development, the YMCA of Delaware has sponsored the global teens program, which exposes teens to the world through service, learning and cultural exchange as they spread the YMCA of Delaware’s mission of love, caring, inclusiveness, justice, and peace. 

 The YMCA of Delaware’s teen programs could not continue without your support, so we are kindly asking you for a donation of any size today, so that we can continue to support these important teen programs that build better leaders for our community tomorrow.