Chester County seventh graders can join any YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) location at no cost during the 2026–27 school year through the organization's 7th Grade Initiative.

The program gives every seventh grader in the county a free youth membership covering the school year and the summer that follows, the Daily Local reported. More than 1,200 seventh graders sign up each year across YGBW's nine Chester County locations. A parent or guardian can enroll online at ymcagbw.org/7th-grade-initiative or at any branch.

The membership is free.

Members get access to swimming, fitness equipment, sports, creative programs and STEM activities, with reduced rates on some programs. Eligibility begins the summer after a student finishes sixth grade and runs through Aug. 31 following completion of seventh grade.

"As teens discover new interests and begin to make their own decisions about how to spend their time, we want them to know that the Y is a place where they belong," Bertram L. Lawson II, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, said.

The initiative also serves as a pipeline into the Y's broader teen programming. YGBW offers Y Achievers, Y After Dark, VolunTEEN volunteer opportunities, Youth and Government and teen sports and fitness programs.

Starting in October, YGBW is launching a new Leaders Club at two locations: the Oscar Lasko YMCA and the West Chester Area YMCA. The free program is open to students in grades 5 through 12 and will meet weekly. Participants take part in community service, team-building and hands-on leadership activities.

Jazmyn Hudson, senior association director of teen development at YGBW, said the 7th Grade Initiative is an entry point into those programs, helping young people find connection and build skills they need going forward.

Families can learn more about teen programs at ymcagbw.org/youth-development/teen-programs-ymca.

Upcoming

  • October 2026: Leaders Club begins weekly meetings at the West Chester Area YMCA and Oscar Lasko YMCA. Open to grades 5–12; free to join.
  • Sept. 28: YGBW's West Chester Area YMCA hosts Acme flu shot clinics.