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Welcome to Y Leaders Academy!

Y Leaders Academy is a teen leadership and workforce readiness program designed to empower young people through skill-building, mentorship, and real-world experience. Offered by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland in partnership with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), this program supports teens as they prepare for future academic, career, and personal success.

Held at the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA, participants engage in a structured, supportive environment that combines leadership development with fun, meaningful activities.

Program Focus

Teens receive instruction and hands-on experience in essential life and career-readiness areas, including: 

  • Daily living skills
  • Executive functioning and organization
  • Professional and interpersonal (soft) skills
  • Community development and leadership 

What Participants Experience 

  • Daily physical fitness
  • Weekly swimming
  • Weekly fun excursions
  • Leadership skill building
  • Whole-group activities
  • Self-care training
  • Mindfulness journaling 

In addition to developing valuable skills and building lasting connections, participants take part in a rewarding, confidence-building experience and are compensated for their involvement.

Ages

Open to teens 14-18 years of age.

Camp Details

Dates

June 15 – August 8

Hours

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Site Phone

(216) 240-0332

Site Director

Michael Thompson

Y.O.U.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited

Youth Opportunities Unlimited is a nonprofit youth workforce development organization based in Cleveland, Ohio. It focuses on helping teens and young adults in under-resourced communities gain skills, work experience, and support to achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.

 

Register Today!

Ready to register?

We recommend you review our Frequently Asked Questions prior to registration

  1. Begin your registration process here. 
  2. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation immediately, followed by a welcome letter and further details from the Payment Registrar's office.   

Questions? Contact Us!

mthompson@clevelandymca.org
(216) 240-0332