Collaboration at Work: YMCA After School Achievement Gap Program

The YMCA of Greater Richmond is working with the National YMCA program and other partners, like BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life), to implement an initiative aimed at closing the achievement gap. The initiative supports academic enrichment programs for children who are at risk of falling behind in school- particularly those in Title I schools.
These after school programs provide kids and teens with a safe space and strong support systems. Through programs that promote academics, arts and culture, recreation, and nutrition, students are encouraged to discover who they are and what they are capable of becoming. Ultimately, the achievement gap programs hope to:

  • increase student achievement;
  • develop social and emotional skills through academic support;
  • reduce risk-taking behaviors by creating a supportive academic environment; and
  • provide health and enrichment programs for children living in low-income communities.

Two programs are being implemented in the Richmond Region: (1) Power Scholars Academy, a summer learning loss prevention program; and (2) an after school Achievement Gap program. Both programs hope to boost academic capacity and reduce risk taking behaviors. By partnering with local organizations like the CIS of Richmond ( Communities is Schools), FeedMore, Henrico County Public Schools, Literacy Lab, and Sandston Rotary Club, the programs of the Greater Richmond YMCA promote the YMCA’s core traditions, while emphasizing academic success.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Tricia Puryear, Vice President of Community Engagement and Collaborations at (804) 474-4341 or [email protected].


This example of regional collaboration not only brings together multiple partners, but also crosses our education and healthy community priority areas.  Contact us if you have a collaborative story to share