New YMCA Youth Program Needs Backers

By Randall Turk

The Norman Transcript

If you are successful in business, the professions or the arts, Donnette Brown wants you on her team.

And if your business is interested in providing the means to shape young people's lives, Don Wood will be calling on you soon.

Brown, Cleveland County YMCA's youth and teen director, is beginning a new program to help youngsters decide what to do with their lives. "YMCA Minority Achievers," patterned after a highly successful program that began 35 years ago for inner-city youth, will begin here Jan. 14.

"I've never seen anything like this in Norman," Brown said. "It's been so successful in places like Harlem in New York City. It helps kids set high educational and professional standards, build self-esteem and guide them through life."

Many young people today, even those attending college, are stuck on what they want to do in an increasingly complex world, Brown said. Relying on mentors who serve as role models, the program helps them explore "career clusters," establish goals and learn how to excel in what they want to do.

Brown said 31 middle school and high school students are enrolled in program and another 19 are being sought. She is looking for 20 mentors who can guide them through career sessions for two Saturdays a month during the school year.

Wood, executive director of the Norman Economic Development Coalition, is chairman for the program. He is seeking corporate donors to fund the annual cost, about $22,500 a year.

“A lot of kids are interested in law, engineering and medicine," Brown said, "at a time when many people are in their fifth year of college because they haven't found what they want to do. This program helps kids explore their passion."

Brown, originally from Jamaica, is a physical education teacher and social worker. She has worked with youth since 1993. A 1995 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, she attended OU on a track scholarship. She is a two-time All American champion in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

In Oklahoma, she was a family advocate for Vision Quest, a program for juveniles in Wewoka. She has been with the Cleveland County "Y" since July, 2002. She also has been a mentor for "Bridge Builders," a program for African American students at OU.

Brown served as a volunteer coach for the "Y's" "Track Stars" team of elementary school students. "I had them for 13 weeks," she said. "They didn't know anything about track. They placed first through fifth in track meets here, and two kids qualified for the state championships."

Minority Achievers is not limited to racial minorities, Brown said. "The program is open to anyone. Diversity is good." Parents are also urged to get involved, she said. "We're hoping parents will support these kids and help the program succeed."

Minority Achievers will begin with a Jan. 14 orientation at City Hall that will be open to all parents, mentors and sponsors. Program achievers and corporate sponsors will be honored at an annual banquet.

The program and most of its young participants are ready. The people to provide the guidance are being located. Companies who will make it all possible are being approached to make an investment in the future. A long, productive journey begins with small steps."

This program could be the most important step a kid can take," Brown said. "I know I can make a difference in young lives and I want to do that."