Rising Eight Graders Also Included for 2021 – 2022 School Year* 

Chester County seventh and eighth graders, you are going to want to get to the YMCA. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is proud to continue its 7th Grade Initiative, which offers any seventh grader in Chester County a free one-year youth membership. Additionally, for the 2021 – 2022 school year, rising eighth-graders who largely missed the opportunity to utilize their memberships due to COVID-19 restrictions will also be eligible for a free one-year membership.    

Students simply need to bring a school ID, roster or report card, along with a parent or guardian, to their local branch to register.  

After registering, youth members have use of the YMCA’s facilities. Participants can swim, play in our gyms, work out in our wellness centers and participate in programs, classes and sports. Annually, more than 1,100 seventh graders take advantage of this free membership. 

“We think it’s crucial to set the foundation for a healthy lifestyle at a young age,” YGBW President & CEO Denise Day said. “Our 7th Grade Initiative helps kids fall in love with an active way of life. Kids at this age are discovering who they are, and we want to ensure that they’re set up for future success through that active lifestyle.”   

As kids face adolescence’s challenges, they’re more likely to begin distancing themselves from formal organizations, friends and family and to experiment with unhealthy behaviors. The 7th Grade Initiative offers an alternative, where they can make new friends while staying active and also avoid exposure to those counter-productive behaviors. 

To raise funds to support this program, YGBW hosts the Chester County Corporate Championship, an annual golf event held at Stonewall. This year, the Championship will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021, with a goal to raise $100,000 to ensure that all seventh graders can enjoy this opportunity. All are invited to attend, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Learn more at ymcagbw.org/events.  

For more information on the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s 7^th Grade Initiative, please visit ymcagbw.org or stop in any one of our Chester County locations including the Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA.  

For more information on the Corporate Challenge or to learn how you can support the 7^th Grade Initiative contact  .

*8th graders are not currently included in our 7th-grade initiative program starting from the 2022-2023 school year.