Community Development YMCA

Community Development YMCA Y Literacy UNLOCKS THE POWER OF LITERACY through four programs. We also have a Learning Lab at Cool Valley Elementary School sponsored by Express Scripts.

At the Community Development YMCA, our goal is to ensure that all people graduate high school ready for the next step in their lives through academic, mental wellness, and civic engagement programming and resources. Youth Programs:

YRead Unlocks the Power of Literacy by...
Providing free one-on-one tutoring to school-age children who are a grade level or more behind in their reading skills. The Y

Read program matches school-age students who are struggling in reading with volunteer tutors. Tutors and students meet twice a week in local libraries for a year to foster a love of reading and improve skills. Learning Labs Unlock the Power of Literacy by...
Providing small group reading and math instruction. The Learning Labs provide small group instruction for students who need help improving their reading or math skills. Learning Labs are located at the Emerson Family YMCA, the Monsanto Family YMCA and the Carondelet Park Rec Complex. Students enrolled in the Learning Labs attend regularly scheduled sessions twice a week during after school hours for an hour each session. Adult Programs:

The Literacy Council Unlocks the Power of Literacy by...
Providing free one-on-one tutoring to adults needing to improve their reading skills. Tutors and students meet at local libraries once a week for 1.5 hours. Students and tutors invest one year in the program so they can work together as the student meets his/her personal goals. Beginning Babies with Books Unlocks the Power of Literacy by...
Empowering parents to become their child’s first teacher and best role model for reading. Beginning Babies with Books works with parents to develop at home literacy skills by providing parent support and opportunities to receive children's books.

On Wednesday, our team had the opportunity to celebrate and thank all the amazing students, parents, advisors, and commu...
05/29/2026

On Wednesday, our team had the opportunity to celebrate and thank all the amazing students, parents, advisors, and community partners that make our Youth & Government programming so impactful.

At the YAG End of Year Celebration, we were able to honor 5 amazing students from across our association:
☆ Naomi Adou Gbougbo - CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
☆ Rondre Philips - CIVIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
☆ Ethan McGinnis - EMERGING JUNIOR LEADER AWARD
☆ Staicie Hill - EMERGING CIVIC LEADER AWARD
☆ Kingston Johnson - SENIOR OF THE YEAR

Huge congratulations to our graduating seniors and thank you to all participants and volunteers for an amazing 2025-2026 year of Youth & Government!

Help us keep our kids safe! YMCA Summer Day Camp starts soon, so our parking lots will be busier with families and staff...
05/20/2026

Help us keep our kids safe! YMCA Summer Day Camp starts soon, so our parking lots will be busier with families and staff. Please slow down and be patient during camp pick up/drop off hours! Thank you. 🧡

There’s only 2 weeks left to submit your Junior Leadership applications! You don’t want to miss this opportunity to lear...
05/15/2026

There’s only 2 weeks left to submit your Junior Leadership applications! You don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about St. Louis, leadership, and more with other passionate teens in the region.

During this nine month program, participants are introduced to various social service organizations, develop 21st-century leadership skills, and apply their learning through a service project. This is a unique opportunity to experience the various non-profit & public sectors of St. Louis!

Access the application at 🔗 https://bit.ly/4csS7yA (Submit by May 31, 2026)

Ambassadors assemble! The YMCA is proud to have joined Civitas STL for our first Middle School Model UN General Assembly...
05/14/2026

Ambassadors assemble! The YMCA is proud to have joined Civitas STL for our first Middle School Model UN General Assembly. Our students from the Monroe County YMCA - HTC Center spent the day debating global issues and proudly representing their chosen countries. 🌎

A huge congratulations to our young ambassadors! If you're interested in your middle schooler being involved, more information for the next Model UN program session will be coming soon! 👀

💛💐 Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms and mom figures in our Y family! Thank you for everything you do to lift ...
05/10/2026

💛💐 Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms and mom figures in our Y family! Thank you for everything you do to lift up our families and communities. Here's a little virtual card for you (no fridge magnet required 😉)!

05/09/2026

Meet Mindy, one of the YMCA’s Community Literacy volunteer tutors! 💙

It’s moments like the one she shares that show exactly why tutoring matters. What starts as a small win can turn into something much bigger... like helping grandchildren with homework, gaining independence, or reaching long-term goals.

That’s what tutoring at the Y is all about!

📚 Just 1 hour a week can help change someone’s story. Sign up as a tutor today at: https://bit.ly/49gc4GQ

Every learner’s journey looks different and that’s what makes tutoring through our YMCA's Community Literacy program so ...
05/05/2026

Every learner’s journey looks different and that’s what makes tutoring through our YMCA's Community Literacy program so impactful. 📚

Whether it’s helping someone feel more confident speaking or improving reading skills each week, YMCA volunteer tutors meet learners where they are and make a real difference every day!

Have you had a teacher or mentor that made a difference in your life? Shout them out in the comments below! 👇

🔗 Become a tutor today (just 1 hour a week makes a huge difference): https://bit.ly/4n8HMLU

Calling all high school Sophomores in the St. Louis region! YMCA Junior Leadership is more than team building exercises ...
05/02/2026

Calling all high school Sophomores in the St. Louis region! YMCA Junior Leadership is more than team building exercises and field trips… When you’re a part of this program you’ll be making friends, building connections, and growing as a leader.

Over nine months, with other teens across the region, participants will learn how to be an informed, civically-engaged leader and explore non-profit & public sectors of St. Louis!

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 31, interested teens can apply at 🔗 https://bit.ly/4crZWES

04/28/2026

What starts as just 1 hour a week can turn into something so much more!

From building confidence to forming real connections, tutoring through the Community Development YMCA's Community Literacy program is about helping someone grow, and sometimes even growing right with them. Hear from two of our volunteer tutors on their experience! 📚🫶

No experience is needed, plus we provide all training (and you can tutor virtually)! Sign up today and make an impact at: https://bit.ly/4vXVTaM

Thanks for following along this week in learning about the Gateway Region YMCA's global efforts and international partne...
04/26/2026

Thanks for following along this week in learning about the Gateway Region YMCA's global efforts and international partners for this ! The Y is proud to be a welcoming place that fosters community engagement and bridge-building. Our community is full of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, and we seek to meet the needs of all! 🫶🌎

The Y offers many programs serving our foreign-born community, including:
— English language learning classes
— Financial assistance for Y membership and programming
— Discounted soccer and swim lesson programming at many Ys in the area

Learn more about our global relations and community engagement initiatives: https://bit.ly/41PdEvd

Address

2815 Scott Avenue
St. Louis, MO
63111

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+13147767102

Website

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