At the Y, we understand that young people face many challenges during adolescence and need the support and compassion of parents, teachers, friends and other positive role models to navigate an often daunting journey. In fact, statistics show that 7th grade is a critical time in a young person’s life when exposure to risk factors greatly increases. The Y’s 7th Grade Initiative gives kids an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive by sharing in healthy, confidence-building activities and programs in a safe setting. Our goal is to encourage teens to maintain and/or adopt healthy lifestyles at an age when they are beginning to make their own choice regarding health and wellness.

This initiative gives 7th graders in our area a FREE YMCA Youth Membership (Valued at $300) from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020. Membership includes access to all 5 YMCA of the Inland Northwest locations which have pools, gymnasiums, teen/youth activity centers, wellness centers, group exercise classes and more. See the branch location page for specific amenities.

To get started visit any YMCA of the Inland Northwest location to register with proof of enrollment in the 7th grade. Parent/Guardian must also sign the membership application.

• Students must complete Youth Wellness Cardio and Youth Wellness Strength classes to use the wellness center and equipment
• 7th Grade Initiative flyer
• 7th Grade Initiative information sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions

Act Six Leadership & Scholarship Initiative

Full-Tuition, Full-Need Community Leadership Scholarships to: 
Whitworth University and Gonzaga University 

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest is proud to host the Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative with Whitworth University, Gonzaga University and Degrees of Change. Act Six brings together diverse, multicultural cadres of young people who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities at home.

What is Act Six?  A full-tuition, full-need scholarship to Whitworth or Gonzaga Universities. Students spend their senior year of high school working with the program meeting regularly to build a cadre ready to provide support to their peers while learning about leadership, diversity, and finance management, all designed to help students succeed academically, and grow as service-minded leaders. During their time on campus, strong support continues with ongoing leadership development and vocational connections designed to inspire scholars to serve their home communities.

Eight scholars are selected per cadre each year from Spokane to attend Gonzaga or Whitworth University and the Program Supervisor, Alexis Nicholson is also an Act Six alum from the fourth cadre at Gonzaga University.

2019 Spring Newsletter

Join us on Facebook for updates on the application process and information about the cadres.

Donations for this program are graciously accepted which will keep this opportunity available to our youth in Spokane County for years to come. Support Act Six

For questions or more information about Act Six, please contact Spokane Act Six Program Supervisor at Alexis Nicholson or 509 777 9622 x 413.

To apply for an Act Six scholarship, visit the official Act Six website.

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest is committed to eliminating food insecurity and hunger in Spokane County by feeding children nutritious meals and snacks. Working with USDA, school districts and other agencies, the Y provides thousands of meals and snacks, at no cost, for children regardless of their participation in our programs.

Childcare Centers:

Early Learning programs at the Central Y and Eastern Washington University serve meals made from scratch using whole foods. Young children in our preschool programs explore a variety of fruits and vegetables, enhancing their taste buds for healthy foods.

Summer Meals:

Thornton Murphy,  Emerson Park, and 3 of our branches are open sites for all children 18 yrs and younger to receive free meals. Regardless of their participation in our programs, any child is welcome to eat with us. The Y also collaborates with the American Indian Community Center and Emmanuel Family Life Center to feed children on site who rely on free and reduced-price meals served during the school year.

2020 Dates & Locations for Free Meal Service: (TBA)

“Students who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year experience significant food insecurity during the summer months. The YMCA is committed to making sure the youth in our community receive the nutrition they need year-round thanks to the Summer Food Service Program,” says Connie Reynolds, YMCA of the Inland Northwest Child Care Services Executive. 

The Summer Food Service Program is a federally-funded, state-administered program. Watch to learn more. For more information, contact Connie Reynolds at 509 777 9622 x 409. Summer Meals Toolkit.

After School Meals:

All 19 of the Y’s after school sites provide healthy, nutritious snacks as part of the program. This fall, we started serving super-snacks at two high-need after school sites. At the Central Y, after school dinners are served to all teens in the Teen Center, including newcomer children and teens from World Relief.

Homework Clubs

Offered exclusively for Northwood and Mountainside Middle School students.

Get help with homework, connect with other students and have fun!

When your student wants help with school work or class projects or needs to make-up a missed test or assignment, the homework club is the place to be after school. Adults offer structured and supervised time but make sure to add in some fun as well. After between 60-90 minutes on school work, the focus shifts to physical activity based on 5 components of fitness with games, field trips, work on community service projects and more. Snacks are provided to keep brains engaged and bodies humming.

Clubs run after school Oct – May, meeting Tues, Wed & Thurs from 2:30 – 5pm. Attendance each day is not required and no preregistration is needed but students must have a ride home. Activity bus rides home available.

Open enrollment during the school year. Inquire at Mountainside or Northwood school office or contact Joy Schneider, 509 777 9622.

Today’s teens have the potential to make a difference in their community that often goes untapped. They have the ability to lead and be an integral part in making positive change. Leaders Club exists to tap into that potential and cultivate the ability teens have into skills necessary to be successful leaders. Through leadership training, volunteerism, and mentorship, participants will be part of a community of like-minded students who are making a difference in their city.

Program Session: Sept – May, 7 – 8pm all locations

South Y: 1^st & 3^rd Thursdays, meets at St. Stephens Episcopal Church
North Y:  2nd & 4th Tuesdays

$5 for Y Members
$25 for Community Members

Contact: Adam Swensen or 509 720 5612 x 412

Outside the Box

Students attending North Central High School

Transitioning into high school can sometimes be a scary thing. Outside the Box gives students the tools to have a positive and successful high school experience. Homework help, community building activities, and social skills are only a few of the benefits gained by participants. Give your student the chance to improve their high school journey by working with a positive adult mentor. This year, the group meets together at North Central’s Commons and will walk together down to the teen center at the Central Y.

Every Tue -Thu, 2:30-5:30pm, September – June

For more information please contact Teen Leadership Program Coordinator Adam Swenson, 509 777 9622 x 412.

Thanks to our funding partners for support of this program.

Safe Sitter® Babysitting Workshops

Ages 11-16

Better Sitters Today. Better Parents Tomorrow.

Prepare for a future of Babysitting through our Safe Sitter® Workshops. Created by a doctor, this course will teach your teen or adolescent what it takes to be a safe, nurturing babysitter and how to gain the confidence to be successful. These foundational skills can be beneficial throughout life, especially in future interactions with children. First Aid and CPR certification are not included in this course but will be addressed. Fee includes a Safe Sitter Student Manual and 6.5 hours of instruction.

Fee: $55 Program Members | $40 Youth & Y Members

All classes are 9am – 3:30pm (please bring a lunch)

Class Schedule: 

North YMCA:
Sat, Aug 3
Wed, Aug 14

Valley YMCA:
Sat, Sept 7

Central YMCA:
Sat, Oct 5

South YMCA:
Sat, Nov 2

Workshops are available for your group or club. For information on scheduling a special workshop, please contact Jeff Polello.

Classes must have at least 5 students registered by closing on the registration deadline. If not, we will cancel the class and offer to transfer to a future session.

For more information, please contact Jeff Polello.

Learn to avoid being a target, handle confrontation, read body language and non-verbal cues, use your voice and handle multiple types of threats. Program runs monthly. Fee: $50 p/mo Program Members, $35 p/mo Youth & Y Members. Ages 13+

Register Now

Teen & Youth Centers

Ages 12-18

Your Place to Belong. YMCA Teen and Youth Activity Centers offer a safe, friendly, and casual atmosphere for teens age 12 – 18. Each center provides adult supervision and a fun place to hang out with friends. Our staff build positive relationships with teens through games, special events and programs created by teens.

During the school year, every Mon-Thurs from 4 – 5pm will be designated as homework hour. Priority will be given to students desiring to do homework and receive assistance from staff.

See Schedule

YMCA Earth Service Corps

Grades 7 – 12,  June – August

Have fun and make a difference. A summer program designed to keep teens busy and productive during the summer break. YESC is an innovative youth-led program that encourages students to take a hands-on role in creating a healthier environment in their schools, communities, and region while nurturing respect for diversity within the natural world. Participants will be given opportunities to learn leadership skills, volunteer with Spokane PALS (Police Athletic League), work in gardens, mentor, and be mentored!

Meets at Central YMCA, Mon-Thurs 10:30am-3pm.

REGISTER (registration for 2019 is closed. Registration for next summer will open March 2020)

For more information please contact Site Director Adam Swenson, 509 777 9622 x 412.

Youth Legislature – YMCA Delegations

Grades 8-12

Experience the democratic process from the inside. Youth Legislature is a student-directed model offering teens the opportunity to develop leadership skills, explore a career in public service, write and critique law, and travel to Olympia, WA, each May with teens from around the state. This year, 2019, will be the 72nd delegation. Teens will assume the roles of Senator, Representative, Lobbyist, Journalist, or state-wide officer.

All Delegations travel to Olympia, WA – May 7 – 11, 2019

While in Olympia (5 days), accommodations include: hotel room, transportation, four breakfasts and four dinners. Students are responsible for lunches.

Delegation Preparation Meetings

Thursdays 5:30 – 7pm at YMCA corporate office, 1126 N Monroe
$65 Program Member
$50 Youth and Y Member

Register

Olympia Trip

$430 Program Member
$400 Youth & Y Member

Register

Cost should never be a barrier to participating in YMCA programs. Financial assistance is available for those that apply. Financial assistance applications are due by Dec 31, 2018. Delegations also participate in numerous fundraising opportunities to reduce out of pocket expense to the participants.

Payment Schedule

50% of Total Fee due by Jan 15, 2019
75% of Total Fee due by Feb 15, 2019
Total fees (including financial assistance) due to YMCA of the Inland Northwest no later than Mar 30, 2019 to attend trip to Olympia. No refunds for this program. 

For more information or if you are interested in getting a Youth Legislature Delegation started at your school or youth center, please contact 509 777 9622 .

Youth Leadership Spokane

High School Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

YMCA of the Inland Northwest and Leadership Spokane joined forces to produce the Youth Leadership Spokane (YLS) program.

YLS is a 10-month civic leadership training program based on the principles of servant leadership and cultural competence for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. It is designed to develop the next generation of community-minded leaders by creating strong and healthy youth, and empowering them for service to each other and their community. It is a great way to get to know teens from other schools and gain the skills and connections with area leaders to become successful young leaders.

Deadline for the 2019-2020 program year is May 15, 2019. 

Go to Leadership Spokane to apply or for more information.