Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA implements program at North Houston Skate Park

HOUSTON, TX – The YMCA Achiever’s Program is now offered through the Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA at the North Houston Skate Park (formerly the Spring Skate Park) to provide teens with a positive sense of self and aspirations for professional careers.

The program helps teens set and pursue high educational and career goals that result in higher rates of graduation and acceptance to an institution of higher learning. Through academic aid, career exploration and mentoring, this program encourages youth to raise their academic standards, develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore diverse college and career options, and learn from role models who inspire them to greater heights.

“Even though we are just getting started with the once-a-week program at the skate park, the students have already drafted their contract expressing commitment to the program and attended their first major field trip, reported YMCA Youth Development Director Troy Manchester. “The 12 teens enjoyed an overnight ‘lock in’ at the Langham Creek YMCA before leaving for a visit to the Texas A&M – College Station campus.”

The Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA is unique in that it is a “Y without walls.” All of its programming is hosted at facilities other than a standing YMCA building, such as preschool at Lone Star College – North Harris, youth sports at Thomas R. Wussow Park and now the YMCA Achiever’s Program at the skate park.

To run the program using the skate park’s community room, YMCA staff work hand-in-hand with the Greenspoint District staff who manage the North Houston Skate Park. Also, the District’s Communications Coordinator Alexis Shelly sits on the Board of Directors for the Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA, ensuring lines of communication remain open and initiatives like the Achiever’s program are successful.