Teen Programs

Teen Leadership & Development

The Westfield Area YMCA offers leadership programs for teens in middle school and high school that challenge the spirit, mind, and body through challenging, projects, and team-building exercises to develop leadership skills.

This college readiness, career development, leadership, mentoring and life skills program is offered at no cost to minority middle school and high school students in Union County. Using a multifaceted approach, Achievers models its curriculum after the University of Chicago's 6to16™ Five Pillar framework. The five pillars include academics, college knowledge, positive relationships, life skills and positive identity.

Students are provided the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of professionals and have meaningful conversations about financial literacy, higher education, employment, community service, volunteer opportunities, and soft skills.

Meets Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm at the Main Y Facility
No minimum GPA requirement
Free Y teen membership included

Interested participants must apply and agree to attend and actively participate in workshops and events. Contact Nadya Lawrence, Program Coordinator at [email protected] to apply.

A leadership-development community service program that helps teens discover their full potential while making a difference. Club members volunteer at the Y and in the community. $30 fee for the school year includes shirts and snacks (FREE for Middle School Initiative Participants).

Meets alternate Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm at the Main Y Facility

An academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. Runs in conjuction with Westfield HS and Cranford HS. Interested students should contact their high school advisors in early September.

Modeled after state government, this club is run in conjunction with Westfield HS and Cranford HS and gives students a voice to debate and express their concerns. Delegates research various government policies and current state issues and initiate legislation for the annual 3-day conference. Register at the high schools in Mid-January.

Virtual SAT Prep Courses

Grades 11-12

This course is designed to cover strategies for both the Math and Reading & Writing components of the SAT. Students are required to use their own device (laptop or tablet). Y membership is not required.

View upcoming courses and register here.

Middle School Initiative

Grades 6-8

Middle School is a particularly impressionable time in a child’s life. The experiences, relationships and lessons learned during this time can have a lasting impact on their character, beliefs and behaviors.

This program, for grades 6-8, focuses on fostering healthy habits as middle schoolers start navigating the shift from childhood to adolescence. We offer unique opportunities that help aid the pivotal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development that takes place during these years. Registered Middle School Initiative participants receive select programs for free, including Leaders Club and Friday Night Teen Events.

Visit the Main Y Welcome Center to register. Proof confirming the participant’s status as a middle schooler is required (report card, school ID, etc.) at time of registration.

Friday Night Teen Events

Grades 6-12

A fun night for teens (non-Y members welcome) featuring various activities. Events take place from 7:45-9:45pm in the Main Y Gym unless noted. Registration and waiver are required in advance. $10 to participate (FREE for Middle School Initiative Participants).

View upcoming events and register here.

Teen Trips

Grades 6-11

Registration and Waiver must be completed 10 days prior to trip date. A YMCA membership is not required to attend a teen trip. Past trips have included Skiing & Snowboarding, Waterparks, Skyzone, Six Flags, Dave & Busters, and more.

View upcoming trips and register here.