FEBRUARY 2024
MENTEE SPOTLIGHT
Leadership Skills in Action
We are so proud to announce that YEMBA mentee Mekhi Prince was recently voted student class president of Julian Middle School, after running under the campaign slogan Mekhi Knows Why. Mekhi is a seventh grader in his second year as a YEMBA mentee. He has shown immense leadership throughout the program in his ability to unify the group with his calm demeanor and critical thinking skills. We know he will do great things as a student representative in the school!
PLAN AHEAD
Summer Empowerment Programs for Rising 6th & 9th Graders
Registration is now open for our summer programming. In addition to our program for rising 9th graders, we are excited to introduce a new Summer Empowerment Program for rising 6th graders in D97. Spaces are limited, so please make sure you secure your student’s space by registering below.
Help Keep Our Summer Programs Free for Youth
YEMBA provides six weeks of Summer programming full of enriching activities to set youth on the path to success in their next school year, including field trips, workshops, guest speakers, and daily meals. We greatly appreciate any amount you can contribute to help us offset these costs.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Visits Mentoring Program
YEMBA is a recipient of the State Treasury Office’s Charitable Trust grant. Last month, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs visited Brooks Middle School to speak with our youth about the importance of financial literacy and career development. He talked to our mentees about the state budget, his role of state treasurer, and the importance of investing in our community’s future by supporting organizations such as YEMBA.
Read more about it in the Treasurer’s Note.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Tim Mooney
Tim Mooney recently retired from a global consulting company, where he was a Senior Director who provided executive coaching and leadership training to Fortune 500 leaders. Tim was impressed with YEMBA's purpose and approach and was looking for opportunities where he could give back to the community. Tim’s experience in workforce development has been a great match for our program as our youth build skills to become future leaders. We are so grateful for the time that Tim has invested in spending with our youth.
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