Youth Programs
What We Do
Making Hope Real with Quantum Opportunities
QOP empowers students to take a “quantum leap” towards the future through the development of life skills and youth leadership training.
YWCA York’s Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP) is a free after school program open to all students in grades 8-12, receiving free or reduced lunch, living in the City of York. QOP provides one-on-one and group mentoring and focuses on three areas: academic achievement, community service, and personal growth.
QOP places an emphasis on college preparation. Our QOP Director assists students and their families with applications for admissions and financial aid. Students have opportunities to earn money for continuing education. Our QOP graduates enroll in post-secondary opportunities to attend colleges, trade schools, and certification programs, or enlist in the military.
Take a Quantum Leap.
Scholastic Esports
The Scholastic Esports Youth Program offers a unique outlet for team-building, teamwork, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and hands-on STEM learning through video gaming.
Esports empowers students to build confidence, curiosity, and community in a welcoming environment. Under the mentorship of our compassionate and knowledgeable QOP Director, our participants will learn to identify and implement coping strategies into their daily schedule, and to advocate for mental health as peer mediators.
The various components of Scholastic Esports afford youth a safe space to game with their peers while learning the nuances of being a team player and coaching.
Swim With A Team
York Synchro Team
Competitive Synchronized Swimming for 50 Years
Founded in 1972, our York Synchro Team has competed at the local, regional, and national levels. We have placed swimmers in the top eight in the Regional Age Group Championships and the Junior Olympics. Many of our swimmers have competed at the collegiate level and have placed nationally. Several swimmers have returned to our team and others across the nation to continue their love and dedication to the sport as coaches and judges.
The synchronized swimming season runs year-round and typically practice is twice a week. Each October the York Synchro Team presents a water show for the community.
Our Work
Making an Impact
It was his freshman year of high school when Juan was referred to our Quantum Opportunities Program by his School Guidance Counselor.
Juan was in jeopardy of failing three of his classes and was barely passing the rest. Juan’s parents both worked second shift, and he was caring for his younger siblings, which took a lot of time away from his studies and homework.
Juan enrolled in QOP and slowly started getting on track in his classes. After 6 months in the program, he was passing all of his classes with a C average and a 2.2 GPA. During his Sophomore year, Juan’s grades really picked up, and he was so excited to get the report card incentive of $150.00 during his 3rd term for his grades. His GPA had risen to 3.1, and he was thinking seriously about higher education.
Juan, who is in his Junior year, still actively participates in QOP. He maintains his improved GPA and has begun applying to colleges.
Everyone deserves to feel
Be a part of the change. Together, we can make a difference for the most vulnerable in our community and beyond.