The Greater Scranton YMCA believes all kids have enormous potential. We work every day to help children set and achieve their goals in settings where they can have a sense of belonging and feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions. The 7th Grade Initiative allows us to do just that. 

As youth begin to face the many challenges of adolescence, they are more likely to begin distancing themselves from formal organizations, friends and family, and to experiment with unhealthy and illegal behaviors. Research shows that 7th grade is a critical time in a young person’s life when exposures to risk factors greatly increase. These risk factors include alcohol and drug use, skipping school, teen pregnancy, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition and more. The goal of the 7th Grade Initiative is to help the youth we serve discover their passions, develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle and grow into socially responsible teens and adults. The initiative provides our Y an opportunity to engage, cultivate and connect with youth at a time that is most crucial to their development. 

Through the 7th Grade Initiative, 7th graders in our service area are provided a free annual membership to the Y. In order to retain their membership, 7th graders must maintain a C+ average in school, complete quarterly volunteer work and log two workouts per week at our facility. The initiative helps fulfill our Ys mission and areas of focus; youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 

For more information on registration, visit the Y’s website or contact Brandon Whipple, Health & Wellness Director, at bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3116.