The Joliet Kiwanis Club and Smith Family YMCA recently partnered to pilot two new afterschool programs for youth: The Bring Up Grades program and the Terrific Kids program.

These programs seek to provide mentorship for youth and empower them to reach their full potential. Each program, however, has a unique goal in mind.

The Bring Up Grades Program, or BUG, aims to help students strive for academic achievement, and in turn, improve their grades and self-esteem.

The Terrific Kids Program, on the other hand, teaches kids the importance of good character, placing an emphasis on the TERRIFIC traits of being Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive, and Capable.

Throughout the spring, Kiwanis members and YMCA staff members worked with local youth to set and accomplish their goals. Meetings were held each week and typically included group activities and fellowship.

To recognize the students’ achievements, a year-end ceremony was held on Thursday, May 26 at the Smith Family YMCA. For a closer look at this wonderful program, please watch the video above.