Greater Joliet Area YMCA receives $10,000 grant

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is the recipient of a $10,000 grant courtesy of Midland States Bank.

The gift will directly benefit the Y’s Teen Achievers Program, an academic-based program that guides local students on their path to graduating high school, attending college and achieving career goals.

Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson presented the check to members of the Y’s leadership team. Among them were Katy Leclair, Larry Weirs, Maurice Fears, Lynette Sartori, Saundra Russell-Smith and Julie Wilkinson. Joliet Township High School Director of Special Partnerships Jeff Riley was also in attendance.

Since 2005, the YMCA has offered the Teen Achievers Program to Joliet high school students. This past fall, the program expanded its services to Plainfield South High school.

The growing program currently serves 107 area students. This spring, an estimated 50 students will embark on an annual out-of-state college road trip that gives students the opportunity to visit several esteemed universities.

Since its creation in 2011, the Midland States Bank Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout Midland’s footprint.