The Adult Achievers program is a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering both personal and professional growth among its participants, while also positively impacting the broader community. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of them program:

  • Community Support: The program emphasizes the importance of support from the community, indicating a collaborative effort to uplift and empower individuals within the program.
  • Role Modeling: Adult Achievers are expected to serve as consistent and positive role models for students. This implies that they embody traits and behaviors that students can look up to and emulate.
  • Mentorship: Mentors play a crucial role in guiding and motivating students, helping them develop essential character strengths, skills, and relationships. This mentorship likely extends beyond academic or career guidance to encompass holistic personal development.
  • Student Development: The goal, ultimately, of the program is to empower students to make smart life choices, pursue higher education, and achieve their career goals. This indicates a focus on long-term outcomes and holistic growth rather than just academic or professional success.
  • Professional Development: Adult Achievers are themselves professionals seeking to enhance their skills or acquire new ones to advance their careers. The program provides opportunities for professional development, indicating a commitment to supporting participants' career aspirations and growth.
  • Impactful Community Engagement: By empowering Adult Achievers with skills and opportunities for advancement, the program aims to make them more impactful in the communities they serve. This suggests a ripple effect where the positive influence of the program extends beyond individual participants to benefit the broader community.

The Adult Achievers program is a comprehensive initiative that recognizes the interconnectedness of personal development, professional growth, community support, and positive role modeling in fostering success and making a meaningful impact.

Who should apply for Adult Achievers?

  • Emerging and mid-career professionals
  • Commitment to diversity in your organization
  • Self-motivated and mentoring spirit
  • Any member of historically marginalized communities
  • Capital Region based
  • All are encouraged to apply, even if you were a former Adult Achiever

Meet our 2023-2024 Adult Achiever Cohort

Adult speaking with students

Requirements of an Adult Achiever

A minimum of 4-6 hours per month, inclusive of the following:

  • Mentor a Teen and/or College Achiever: The crux of your work as a volunteer is being a mentor to the younger generation. Through these mentor relationships, Achievers foster a deep sense of connectedness, network, access, and social emotional development.
  • Career Exploration Conversations: As an Adult Achiever, you are expected to share your professional and educational journeys with our Teen Achievers during the month in which your industry falls.
  • Attendance and Participation at Immersion & Cluster Days: Immersion Days are opportunities for us to provide professional development to our Achievers in addition to allowing them to explore local colleges/universities/ & businesses. Cluster Days are specific and targeted to the students who’s selected a particular industry. For example, all students that select Human Services will be their own cluster and will have 1 day in the year to be immersed in all things about their industry. You, as an Adult Achiever, would be a vital part of the day if Human Services is your industry.
  • Professional Development: Attendance at professional development workshops held last Wednesday monthly, except for November and December, which will be held on the 3rd Tuesday.
  • Social Activities w/Teen Achievers: Attendance at any Teen Achiever social activity in which you are invited to attend.
  • All Achiever Retreat: Attendance at College and Adult Achiever Retreat held at Camp Chingachgook. This is a 3-day/2-night trip. At no cost to you. 
Adult with students

Benefits of being an Adult Achiever

  • ​​​​​Professional headshot
  • Access to Black & Latino Alumni Association
  • Access to employment opportunities
  • Access to relationships with local successful Black and Brown professionals 
  • Life-long friendships with Adult Achievers across the nation
  • Professional development
  • Leadership opportunities and trainings
  • Certified community service hours
  • Letters of recommendation

Volunteer Opportunities

Additional volunteer opportunities. Note that the time commitments are minimums, and all Adult Achievers are welcome to do more where they can.

BECOMING A PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP PRESENTER: Conduct a seminar on a topic such as interviewing skills, dressing for success, money management, college life, self-esteem and other such similar topics. Time Commitment: 2 hours a program year  

HOSTING A JOB SHADOW DAY: Provide a young person with the opportunity to experience a typical workday in your profession. Time Commitment: 1 workday a year

HOSTING AN INTERNSHIP: Provide A 6–8-week internship experience to our Junior & Senior Achievers. Time Commitment: 1 or 2 6–8-week cycles

BECOMING A CHAPERONE: Provide adult supervision at a special event. Time Commitment:  At minimum 1 special event a program year

BECOMING A TUTOR: Help a program participant improve his/her academic performance in an area that he/she is finding to be academically challenging. Time Commitment: 1 hour a week outside of regular student meetings

JOINING THE SCHOLARSHIP TEAM: 

  • Identify at least three scholarships for college-bound juniors and seniors
  • Meet quarterly with a small group of college-bound juniors and seniors to assist them with the application process for various college scholarships
  • Plan and execute a scholarship fair for our Junior and Seniors Time Commitment: 10 hours a program year

BE A YOUTH & GOVERNMENT ADVISOR: Provide support to students participating in our Youth & Government program. Time Commitment: 2 hours weekly

Volunteer today with Achievers
man and woman shaking hands

Professional Development Series Topics

  • Leadership - Team Management
  • Leadership - Strategy Development/Planning
  • Leadership - Data Driven Decision-Making
  • Executive Leadership – NonProfit
  • Executive Leadership – Corporate
  • Communication (Internal, Social Media, etc.)
  • Technical (Microsoft Office, et al)
  • Organizational Development
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Board Participation/Management/Development
  • Conflict Management & Resolution in the Workplace
  • Public Speaking
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Networking Like A Boss
  • Program Management
  • Project Management
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