Students enrolled in the Greater Ridgecrest YMCA’s Bridging the Achievement Gap (BTAG) program recently visited St. Petersburg College’s Veterinary Program.
The YMCA of the Suncoast’s Bridging the Achievement Gap (BTAG) program launched in 2017 as a way to provide high school students with the opportunities they need to unlock academic achievement and open career doors. More than 350 children have had the opportunity to participate in the program – which offers students career counseling, homework help, test preparation and college admission assistance.
A $40,000 donation from TECO will allow the program, which is located at the Greater Ridgecrest YMCA, to continue to provide services to academically, socially and/or financially at risk teens in the area. “This support means the world to us. Through this donation, TECO is helping to secure successful futures for teens in Pinellas County”, says Tameshia Williams-Glover, Program Director at the Greater Ridgecrest YMCA.
The donation will help cover the costs of running the program and provide students like, BTAG alum Michael Robinson, with the support they need to secure their future. When Michael started with BTAG he says he lacked the self-esteem and confidence he needed to mature into the man he wanted to become. He was living without consistent electricity and access to food – which caused a ripple effect in his high school career. Michael often did not attend class or complete assignments, causing low grades and low self-esteem. Once introduced to the BTAG program, everything changed. He had access to healthy meals, tutoring, homework assistance and career counseling.
When asked about how BTAG changed his life Michael shares, “The lessons I learned while attending YMCA programs have helped ensure that I enjoy a bright future.”
BTAG is funded solely through contributions from the community. For more information on the program, please contact the Greater Ridgecrest YMCA at (727) 559-0500.