CHICAGO, March 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- YMCA's Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) is pleased to
announce a partnership with Old Spice's School of Swagger to help
boys of color graduate high school via mentorship and career
planning. This partnership will enable the nationwide expansion of
YMCA's BYMOC Gradify program, which equips students with tools to
build actionable college/career plans and mentor connections.
Recent national data reveals that 80% of students who establish
a career goal by the ninth grade successfully graduate high
school.* Recognizing the critical importance of career aspirations,
the Y piloted its Gradify program in 2023. Within just one year,
90% of the enrolled students actively utilize the app, established
a college or career plan, and is demonstrating early signs of being
on track to graduate high school on time. Currently, the program
has 750 BYMOC students from 30 cities participating, and this
partnership will enable the program to reach over 7,200 students
and 70 cities next year.
"The Y's BYMOC strategy brings contemporary focus and practice
to our historical support of boys and young men of color," said
Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO
of Y-USA. "We're thrilled to
partner with Old Spice, which shares our commitment to removing
barriers and closing gaps to ensure boys and young men of color
have the opportunity to reach their full potential."
Kate DiCarlo, Communications
Senior Director, Old Spice North America, added, "Since 2020, Old
Spice has been on a journey to increase high graduation rates among
underrepresented youth. Through partnerships with organizations
like the Y, we can provide students with hands-on support and
resources, empowering them to achieve their educational goals and
create a brighter future for themselves and our community."
This partnership is a part of a broader partnership with Procter
& Gamble (P&G), the parent company of Old
Spice. P&G has been a long-standing supporter and advocate of
the Y's BYMOC strategy, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to
uplifting diverse communities, including boys of color.
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading
nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175
years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where
they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and
opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing
together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and
generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and
well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance
of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn
more at ymca.org.
*Data from the National Center for Education Statistics, Public
High School Graduation Rate.
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SOURCE YMCA of the USA