YMCA of Columbia Announces Afterschool Program at Six Richland One Schools and Hires André Anthony as Senior Youth Development Director
August 13, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – The YMCA of Columbia announces they will now offer after school care at six Richland County School District One Schools and have hired André Anthony as Senior Youth Development Director.
The “Y-Club Afterschool” program provides positive staff interaction and learning opportunities through three key components: Academic Enrichment and Homework Help, Recreation/Physical Activity, and Activity Clubs, where they will participate in a variety of activities such as arts & crafts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
André Anthony has been hired as the Y’s new Senior Youth Development Director to oversee the six new Richland School District One programs and will also lead the YMCA of Columbia’s efforts in growing participation in a variety of middle and high school programs.
“After a thorough search, we feel fortunate to welcome such an outstanding young leader to our organization,” says Doug Berkel, Vice President of Youth Development for the YMCA of Columbia. “André Anthony’s commitment and enthusiasm for the YMCA and our mission to empower young people is matched only by his experience delivering impactful youth programs. His leadership will play a vital role with the YMCA’s new relationship with Richland School District One by ensuring quality and affordable programs for all students.”
Anthony comes to the YMCA of Columbia from the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities (YGTC) in Minnesota, where he has served since September 2001. He has held many roles, most recently as the State Program Director of Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government, where he was responsible for managing a program that served over 2,400 young people a year from all over the state of Minnesota and part of Western Wisconsin. He is also a member of the first-ever cohort of the World Alliance of YMCAs Global Change Agents.
The “Y-Club Afterschool” program is already in place at three YMCA of Columbia locations: Jeep Rogers Family YMCA at Lake Carolina, NorthWest Family YMCA in Irmo, and the Lexington Family YMCA where transportation is provided from local schools. For more information, school pick-ups, and to register for any YMCA of Columbia program, visit www.columbiaymca.org/afterschool.
About the YMCA of Columbia
Over the past century and a half, the YMCA of Columbia has been a community-transforming institution, not only in the Midlands, but in the entire United States. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Regardless of age, income or background – the Y works to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Please visit www.columbiaymca.org for more information.
