Student Y
What is Student Y?
Welcome to Student Y, the student-led program that empowers middle and high school students to make a meaningful impact in their local and global communities! If you're passionate about creating positive change, developing leadership skills, and engaging in service learning projects, then Student Y is the perfect opportunity for you.
Student Y is open to students in grades 6-12 and serves as a platform for schools and community organizations to foster compassionate community leaders. See our upcoming Student Y events below.
Already a Student Y member? Want more? Check out the Student Y Council information at the bottom of this page.
Please note that membership to Student Y is NOT affiliated with any Gym/Recreation YMCAs.
Student Y Membership Benefits
Are you ready to unlock a world of awesome benefits with your Student Y membership? Buckle up because we're about to dive into a whirlwind of perks that'll make your student life even more fantastic!
First up, get ready to mark your calendars for the highlight of the year: our legendary Student Y Retreat! Picture this: a getaway packed with professional development, top-notch training, and endless opportunities to level up your skills. It's not just a retreat; it's an adventure you won't want to miss!
But wait, there's more! As a Student Y member, you're entitled to an exclusive $10 discount on all other Kentucky YMCA Youth Association programs. That's right – save those precious dollars while still enjoying all the incredible experiences our programs have to offer!
Oh, did someone say swag? You betcha! Rock your Student Y pride with access to our exclusive member merchandise. From stylish tees to must-have accessories, you'll be the envy of all your friends.
And that's not all – buckle up, because we're taking our Student Y experience digital! Gain access to our super-cool member portal via Google Classrooms. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of goodies like special communications, Student Y Bulletins packed with insider info, and access to support materials like our voter registration toolkit. It's your one-stop-shop for staying connected and empowered!
So what are you waiting for? Join the Student Y crew today and let the adventures begin!
Student Y Focus Areas
Does Your School Have a Student Y Chapter?
Get the most out of your membership by participating in your school's Student Y Chapter!
- Member discounts to KY YMCA Youth & Government conferences, as well as to our Character Development conferences and programs.
- Access to Student Y only events and programs such as Student Y Retreat, Watch Parties, Y-Pals, several senior only events, and more!
- Access to the Student Y Manual. A guide that includes everything a Chapter needs to successfully run during the course of the year. Sections include how tos on voter registration drives, running meetings, planning community service and more!
- Streamlined curriculum access to a National network of youth development and service-minded partners, including Waterstep, TED-Ed, and more.
- Access to MobileServe, a national service organization that allows Chapters to easily track the service hours completed by their members. Additionally MobileServe can create a service resume for members to turn in alongside college or internship applications.
- Technical assistance and support from Y-Staff members, who can assist with recruitment, voter registration, MobileServe support, training videos and webinars, and more.
- A chance to engage with a network of over 150 Student Y Chapters across Kentucky, through conferences, monthly Student Y bulletins, and collaborative service.
Students who participate in Student Y Chapters are able to:
- Define and put into practice meaningful servant leadership
- Understand the legislative process on a local and global scale
- Develop strong public speaking, professional writing, and digital media skills
- Build empathy for a diversity of experiences and cultures
- Build positive culture and a spirit of collaboration within their schools
Need more info about setting up or joining a school chapter? Contact Vontella today!
What Student Y Participants Say ...
“Student Y has by far been the most transformative program I have ever been involved in! I have participated in just about every student Y program offered to me from trainings to leadership conferences to youth and government conferences to service trips and they all changed me in multiple ways. The Y has taught me leadership and has given me life long friends. Going to any Y conference has always felt like a family reunion of sorts and they always gave me confidence that lasted beyond the conference into my daily life!”
- Anna Hearne, Class of 2020
“A lot of organizations will create leaders, but the focus of the Y is serving other people first. And using any power you acquire to help other people and not putting yourself first. That is really important to me.”
- Shreeya Auroa, 2022
“The Y is a place where people our age can bounce tangible solutions to challenges off of each other. We also leave our reservations and biases we may have against people and transcend those thoughts to become better individuals.”
- Landin Stadnyk, 2022
“For me, I was most impacted by character development. When I joined, I was really quiet and shy but the Y has really helped me come out of my shell. I’m much for confident now because of the Y.”
- Celia Dawehare, 2022
Upcoming Student Y Events
Student Y and Presiding Officer Retreat - Sept. 21-22, 2024
- Character Development Mini Sessions
- Community Service Planning: How to Survey the Needs of Your Community
- Conference Prep: Getting Ready for KYA and KUNA
- Fundraising 101
- Student Y Culture
Location: Camp Horsin’ Around in Perryville, KY
Price Options: To attend the retreat, students must have a 2024-25 Student Y Membership, which costs $20. However, if you choose one of the paid options for the retreat, you'll receive a code for a free Student Y Membership.
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- $125 for Presiding officer and Student Y Retreat (includes $20 membership to Student Y)
- $100 for Student Y Retreat Only (includes $20 membership to Student Y)
- FREE for Presiding Officer Retreat only
- Register now via our new login portal. You will need to set up a username and password. If you have any issues creating a log in, please contact aly@kyymca.org.
Y-Pals: Your Gateway to Connection and Fun!
Embark on an unforgettable journey of camaraderie and friendship with Y-Pals, a semi-virtual program designed to bring students together from all corners of the Commonwealth!
What are Y-Pals?
Y-Pals is a unique initiative where students are paired in small groups alongside another peer, fostering meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences.
Here's what awaits you as a Y-Pal participant:
- Exclusive Y-Pal Student Lapel Pin: Wear it proudly as a symbol of your participation and belonging.
- Invitation to Regional Service Days + Y-Pal Ice Cream Socials: Join us for a day of service and bonding followed by delightful ice cream gatherings.
- $5 Ice Cream Social Gift Certificate: Treat yourself to a sweet delight at the Ice Cream Social of your choice, courtesy of Y-Pals.
- Early Access to LTC's First Annual "Y-Pal Flag Football Extravaganza": Be among the first to experience this thrilling event! Teams will be formed, roles assigned, and excitement guaranteed.
- 3 Virtual Y-Pal Game Nights: Mark your calendars for thrilling game nights on the last Thursday of April, May, and June, where you'll connect with fellow Y-Pals via Zoom for hours of fun and laughter.
Y-Pals is open to students in grades 6-12, with revamped features and enhanced opportunities for connection and growth! Don't miss out on this incredible chance to expand your horizons, make lifelong friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join Y-Pals today and embark on an adventure like no other!
REGISTRATION FOR Y-PALS IS NOW CLOSED
*You must be a Student Y member to attend
If you have any questions please email V at vontella@kyymca.org
Student Y Watch Party
This fall we will be traveling to a few football games where two Student Y Chapters are playing each other. We’ll be there an hour before game time with pizza and games! Tickets to join us are $5 and include 2 slices of pizza, this year’s Student Y Wristband, and a game day button. Tickets will go on sale 1 week before each game.
Student Y Workshops
Student Y Members can pick from a few different workshops that will be offered over the course of the school year!
More events to be announced soon!
Student Y Council
The Student Y Youth Council is a group of Student Y Members (8th grade and above) and recent graduates that work together to steer the development of Student Y. The Student Y Council is composed of Student Y Chapter Officers and committee members of the 5 following committees: Civic Engagement, Community Service, Media and Marketing, Outreach and Development, and Social Media. Meeting once every month as a full team, each member of the council will take on a variety of projects tailored to their individual skills and passions. Different levels of time commitment are welcome! Students from 8th grade to college who are passionate about Student Y, service, civic engagement, and more are invited to learn more! If you are interested in joining the team email vontella@kyymca.org.