
Jobs at the Y
Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than a job—you’ll enjoy a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you. Our staff members, of all ages and from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, enjoy the personal satisfaction that comes from nurturing the potential of youth and teens, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and providing support to our neighbors.
All employment opportunities with the Monroe County YMCA for either the Southeast or Northwest Y will be posted here. Applications are accepted only for positions posted as open. Applications must be fully and correctly completed to be accepted and screened. All applications are subject to background checks.
See a position you're interested in? Please complete the Monroe County YMCA employment application. Please include your resume and cover letter in the secure online application form.
Current Openings:
Custodian, Full-Time
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Shift: Nights, 7:00pm-3:30 am, Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week
Rate: $15.00/hour
Primary Location: Southeast Y
Reports to: Senior Property Director
POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary function of the full-time custodial position is to be a team player providing cleaning (i.e. vacuuming, mopping, dusting, trash pickup, wiping down surfaces, etc.) of all Monroe County YMCA facilities. Communicate regularly with the senior property director the progress of the custodial program and any needs of the facilities. Consistently display a positive and enthusiastic approach to the performance of the assigned duties and the goals and philosophies of the YMCA.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Have the knowledge, skills, and ability to clean assigned rooms and associated furnishings to a high standard, including women’s restroom and locker room during normal hours of operation.
- Ability to perform duties calling for repetitive motion required on a daily basis, which may include bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, climbing, squatting and lifting.
- Responsible to wear protective equipment according to requirements of job taking place.
- Work independently on small and large projects while managing time and resources.
- Maintain all tools and equipment in proper working order, reporting needed repairs to maintenance. Store tools and equipment and maintain work and storage spaces in a clean and organized fashion.
- Attend all mandatory department meetings.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Ability to read and follow chemical advisory labels
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Day Camp Counselor
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Youth and Family Program Coordinator
Hourly Rate: $13.00
Location: Southeast Y or Northwest Y
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Camp Counselor’s main task is to be a role model for campers. As a leader, the counselor is responsible for promoting friendship, fun, and rewarding experiences for campers in a safe, positive environment.
Camp Counselors are needed for multiple age groups.
- Preschool: In addition to counselor skills, we are looking for staff who have experience or an interest in working with children ages 3-5 specifically. Staff hours can range from 4-7 hours per day. Staff are expected to be flexible, as there may be times that they need to move between the different age groups.
- Elementary: This is for working with children ages 6-8. Staff hours can range from 7-8 hours per day, 32-35 hours weekly. Flexibility is a must in camp. Staff will help in different age groups as needed.
- Upper Elementary/Teen: This is for working with children ages 9 and up. Staff hours can range from 7-8 hours per day, 35-40 hours per week.
Camp hours are 8:30 am-3:30 pm. Most staff will be required to work a minimum of one shift of AM or PM Extended Day per week:
- AM Extended Day hours: 7:15-8:45 am
- PM Extended Day hours: 3:15-6:00 pm
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Able to communicate effectively with campers, parents, and camp staff.
- Personable and positive in your approach to learning and fun.
- Understand character development as chief mission of YMCA and personally exhibits a commitment to this goal in all YMCA operations.
- Cooperate with fellow counselors.
- Able to follow directives of Camp Leadership Team.
- Attend all training sessions prior to camp and all meetings scheduled thereafter.
- Participate in planning and preparation of each week’s activities.
- Prepare for the day’s events ahead of time and have all materials ready prior to 8:45 am.
- Arrive at check-in no later than 8:45 am. Be available for questions, helping out with reluctant children, or be at your assigned post.
- Know and follow all YMCA emergency procedures.
- Know how many campers are present at all times. Count campers at each change of activity: beginning, ending, and once in between.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum age of 16.
- Support YMCA mission and exemplify high personal character development.
- Strong oral and written communication skills including listening first and relationship-building skills.
- Leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- A good understanding of risk management and safety in the workplace.
- Self-motivated and service-minded attitude.
- Staff must be available for the duration of Summer Camp, May 27 through August 1, with a maximum of 5 vacation days allowed.
- Must change into swimming attire and swim with camp group each day.
- Staff must also complete First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Universal Precautions training before camp begins on May 27. Training programs are provided by the YMCA.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Extended Day Camp Counselor
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Youth and Family Program Coordinator
Hourly Rate: $13.00
Location: Southeast Y or Northwest Y
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Extended Day Camp Counselor position is ideal for someone who is looking for a first job, shorter time commitment, or experience working with youth. In Extended Day, staff have the opportunity to work with different ages of children and are very important to our overall Summer Camp program.
Hours are from 3:00-6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Extended Day staff also have the opportunity to work in other areas of camp during the day, as substitutes are often needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Able to communicate effectively with campers, parents, and camp staff.
- Personable and positive in approach to learning and fun.
- Understands character development as chief mission of the YMCA and personally exhibits a commitment to this goal in all YMCA operations.
- Cooperates with fellow counselors.
- Able to follow directives of Camp Leadership Team.
- Attends all training sessions prior to camp and all meetings scheduled thereafter.
- Participates in planning and prepping each week’s activities.
- Knows and follows all YMCA emergency procedures.
- Knows how many campers are present at all times. Counts campers at each change of activity: beginning, ending, and once in between.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Supports YMCA mission and exemplifies high personal character development.
- Has strong oral and written communication skills, including listening first and relationship-building skills.
- Displays leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Has a good understanding of risk management and safety in the workplace.
- Is self-motivated and has a service-minded attitude.
- Must be available for the duration of Summer Camp, May 27 through August 1.
- Must complete First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Universal Precautions training before camp begins on May 27. Training programs are provided by the YMCA.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental, and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Lifeguard
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Part-time
Reports to: Aquatics Director/Coordinator
Pay Rate: Starting at $12.00/hour, depending on experience
Location: Southeast Y
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Monroe County YMCA is seeking Lifeguards to maintain a safe and clean environment at the Monroe County YMCA aquatics facility. Responsibilities include reacting to an emergency situation as a qualified first responder. Part-time staff should work a minimum of 4 hours per week or 16 hours per month on a consistent basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Lead by example and perform all lifeguard duties at a high level.
- Ensure all lifeguards are maintaining a safe and clean pool facility during each shift.
- Fulfill all lifeguard duties (on time, chemical checks, policy enforcement, etc.).
- Communicate regularly with all lifeguards and staff regarding open shifts, special situations, etc.
- Be aware of pool(s) conditions – cleanliness, chemical balance, etc.
- Assist with cleaning responsibilities.
- Must attend monthly in-services. Typically the third or fourth Sunday evening of each month.
- Other duties as requested by Aquatics Director or Coordinator.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have and maintain current lifeguard and CPR certifications through the American Red Cross and be able to successfully perform life-saving skills.
- Must complete Child Sexual Abuse Prevention training.
- Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Member Service Coordinator—Northwest Y
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Full-time; Non-Exempt
Reports to: Membership Director
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Northwest Y is seeking an enthusiastic Member Service Coordinator. This role is responsible for delivering excellent service to all members, guests, and program participants while providing leadership to the Welcome Center. This individual will train new and existing staff to ensure our team has the knowledge to use the tools and resources required to provide excellent customer service to our members while managing the team schedule. This position will supervise part-time staff to ensure the Northwest Y facility has exceptional operation and supervision coverage, day and night, both on weekdays and on the weekend.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Lead the staffing of Welcome Center operations, including screening, hiring, employee coaching, and performance appraisals.
- Manage staff schedule; work or find coverage for vacant shifts as needed.
- Must be knowledgeable in all responsibilities of the Welcome Center in order to facilitate onboarding requirements and support the staff.
- In conjunction with the Southeast Membership Coordinator, train new staff on all pertinent systems.
- Serve as the point-of-contact and liaison to all program areas in the YMCA.
- Enhance the staff’s knowledge and understanding of YMCA programs and offerings and direct members’ questions to the appropriate department.
- Ensure the daily care of members and potential new members by providing direction, leadership, support, and timely feedback to them.
- Assist the Membership Director in the development and implementation of member service strategies, systems, and resources.
- Train the Welcome Center staff on how to provide quality facility tours to new and prospective members.
- Enter data accurately, follow related procedures, and create ways to improve operational efficiencies using both Reclique Core and Excel.
- Confront inappropriate member behavior in an appropriate and professional manner.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Regular hours will be 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours are subject to change based upon schedule need. Candidate must be willing to work mornings, evenings, and/or weekends when the schedule does not have coverage. There will be an expectation of 10-15 hours/week working front-line at the Welcome Center.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
- Will be required to climb steps.
- Must be able to physically maneuver through the office and various Y facilities.
- Must be able to bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
REQUIREMENTS:
- College degree preferred
- Previous supervisory or YMCA experience
- Evening and weekend coverage when needed
- Public relations skills, tact, and diplomacy
- Ability to resolve difficult membership issues or situations
- Ability to effectively communicate both in writing and verbally with members and other staff
- Ability to respond professionally and effectively to frequent inquiries, complaints, and suggestions from both members and staff
- Strong computer skills and an aptitude to learn new technology
- This position requires on-site presence; remote work is not an option
- Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
- CPR/AED and First Aid training certification required within 30 days of employment
- Serve as a first responder in emergency situations and follow proper YMCA emergency protocol
- The ability to lift and move 30 pounds regularly to execute towel laundry needs
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, remains a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental, and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Personal Trainer
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt
Hours: Flexible scheduling; minimum of 15 hours per week; opportunity to work up to 30 hours per week
Reports to: Wellness and Support Services Director
Location: Northwest Y
POSITION SUMMARY:
Provide safe and effective one-to-one personal training to program participants. Be able to guide, educate, and motivate participants toward reaching their personal fitness goals. A working knowledge of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training with ability to pass knowledge on to participants. A drive to help others, a focus on community enrichment, and a desire to play a role in bettering lives through their passion for health and fitness.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Responsible for connecting with client in timely manner to establish training routine.
- Able to create safe, effective program for each individual client utilizing education and creative fitness tools.
- Maintain tracking records of all clients profiles for both data base and client retention.
- Available to train on a consistent basis. Must be available evenings and weekends. Minimum of three clients required.
- Model best practices for creating and establishing a team concept with fellow personal trainers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must hold a National Personal Training Certification from an accredited organization. ACSM, ACE, or NASM certified trainers preferred. Degree in physical education health or field related to exercise physiology is preferred but not required.
- Must have a positive and caring attitude and willingness to help individuals achieve their fitness goals by implementing the YMCA mission statement and character development philosophy (i.e., caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility) into personal training.
- Trainers with experience with or education on working with special populations, elderly, youth, and other member bases are highly preferred.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Site Supervisor—Day Camp, Specialty Camp, and Extended Day
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Northwest Y Youth and Family Program Coordinator
Hourly Rate: $15.50
Shifts Available: 7:00 am-3:45 pm and 10:00 am-6:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Workday can start as early as 7:00 am or end as late as 6:30 pm. Work week will not exceed 40 hours.
Location: Northwest Y
POSITION SUMMARY:
The role of the Site Supervisor is to provide frontline leadership to campers and camp staff. Additionally, the Site Supervisor will coordinate behind-the-scenes needs for the entire camp, working closely with Camp Leadership to develop and facilitate positive and rewarding experiences for all participants. Direct communication with parents, Camp Leadership, and camp staff is vital. As a role model, the Site Supervisor facilitates character development and exemplifies the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assists Camp Leadership in oversight and planning of daily activities, general camp operations, and administrative tasks to ensure camp runs efficiently.
- Follows all YMCA emergency procedures.
- Supports staff with camper behaviors.
- Reviews all campers’ health forms prior to their arrival and is familiar with health histories, allergies, and swim levels of all campers.
- Assesses and assists with the health and hygiene needs of campers and camp staff.
- Responsible for facilitating AM/PM Extended Day.
- Reviews camp counselors’ lesson plans and provides guidance and support to ensure plans are sufficient, incorporate YMCA core values, and promote character development.
- Communicates effectively with campers, parents, camp staff, and Camp Leadership.
- Serves as a leader in parent communication, addressing parent concerns in a timely manner.
- Helps create and maintain a positive environment for campers and staff.
- Is knowledgeable and supportive of other YMCA programs.
- Assists with other essential camp functions as requested by Camp Leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must have a minimum of two years of experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.
- Demonstrates knowledge of practices, procedures, activities, and programs as they relate to youth/child camping experience.
- Supports the YMCA mission and exemplifies high personal character development.
- Has strong oral and written communication skills, including listening first and relationship-building skills.
- Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities such as hiking, swimming, physical games, and activities.
- Displays leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Has a good understanding of risk management and safety in the workplace.
- Has a flexible schedule.
- Is self-motivated and has a service-minded attitude.
- Has basic computer and technology skills.
- Must be available for the duration of Summer Camp, May 27 through August 5, with a maximum of 5 vacation days allowed.
- Must attend Mandatory Staff Development Training dates.
- Staff must also complete First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Universal Precautions training before camp begins on May 27. Training programs are provided by the YMCA.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental, and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Specialty Camp Counselor
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Youth and Family Program Coordinator
Hourly Rate: $13.00
Location: Southeast Y or Northwest Y
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Camp Counselor’s main task is to be a role model for campers. As a leader, the counselor is responsible for promoting friendship, fun, and rewarding experiences for campers in a safe, positive environment.
Specialty Camp Counselors are responsible for developing and implementing detailed weekly activities for youth in our Specialty programs. The themes of these programs will be different each week, so creativity and flexibility are a must. Specialty Camps are open to children ages 6-13, though Specialty Camp Counselors may not work with all ages within that range every week.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Able to communicate effectively with campers, parents, and camp staff.
- Personable and positive in approach to learning and fun.
- Understands character development as chief mission of the YMCA and personally exhibits a commitment to this goal in all YMCA operations.
- Cooperates with fellow counselors.
- Able to follow directives of Camp Leadership team.
- Attends all training sessions prior to camp and all meetings scheduled thereafter.
- Participates in planning and prepping each week’s activities.
- Prepares for the day’s events ahead of time and has all materials ready by 8:45 am.
- Arrives at check-in no later than 8:45 am and is available for questions, helping with reluctant children, or stationed at assigned post.
- Knows and follows all YMCA emergency procedures.
- Knows how many campers are present at all times. Counts campers at each change of activity: beginning, ending, and once in between.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be at least 16 years old.Supports YMCA mission and exemplifies high personal character development.
- Has strong oral and written communication skills, including listening first and relationship-building skills.
- Displays leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Has a good understanding of risk management and safety in the workplace.
- Is self-motivated and has a service-minded attitude.
- Must be available for the duration of Summer Camp, May 27 through August 1, with a maximum of 5 vacation days allowed.
- Must change into swimming attire and swim with camp groups each day.
- Must complete First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Universal Precautions training before camp begins on May 27. Training programs are provided by the YMCA.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental, and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Sports Camp Counselor
Collapsible
FLSA Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Sports Director
Hourly Rate: $13.00 per hour
Location: Southeast Y
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking fun, organized, sports-oriented staff members to join our growing Summer Sports Camp team! In this position, staff members will engage and play with children helping them shape their sports abilities and knowledge while fostering an environment where the participants can develop their personal character and teamwork skills. Sports Camp Counselors will lead daily scheduled activities for participants between the ages of 6-14 years old.
The Summer Sports Camp staff will be instrumental in carrying out the weekly sports theme, collaborating with fellow co-counselors in providing basic instruction of the respective sport, and facilitating playtime and skill development activities. Sports themes will vary from Soccer and Basketball to Ninja Warrior and NERF to much more. Sports Camps run daily, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm including a supervised lunch for our campers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Able to communicate effectively with campers, parents, and camp staff.
- Personable and positive in your approach to learning and fun.
- Understand character development and youth development as part of the YMCA mission and personally exhibit a commitment to this goal. All camp counselors will receive a specialized training program to enhance staff's Character Development facilitation skills and will learn how to better support campers while at camp.
- Cooperate with fellow counselors and counselors from the other Day Camp programs.
- Follow lead counselor’s directives and execute the daily assigned activities.
- Attend all training sessions prior to the start of camp and participate in weekly meetings during the camp season.
- Actively participate in the planning and preparation of each week’s respective activities.
- Prepare for the day’s events ahead of time and have all materials ready prior to 8:45 am.
- Know all YMCA emergency procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Sports experience, knowledge, and skills are not required but are highly encouraged.
- In order to work, staff must also complete First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Universal Precautions, and Child Abuse Prevention training before camp begins. Training programs are provided by the YMCA.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental, and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Wellness Center Supervisor—Southeast Y
Collapsible
FLSA: Part-time
Reports to: Wellness Center Coordinator
POSITION SUMMARY:
Support and guide members as they acclimate to YMCA wellness facilities. Create and build relationships to foster strong community within the YMCA. Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of all fitness equipment and fitness centers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide information on facility services, policies, programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events.
- Be knowledgeable about program areas, cardio, and strength equipment. Be able to demonstrate correct and safe usage of equipment. Meet with members individually and in small groups for appointments.
- Follow up with members from appointments and as needed.
- Show interest in the member as a person and initiate interaction with and between members and staff. Be available to members at all times.
- Greet members and guests and get to know their names.
- Use proper communication channels to report equipment in need of repair, issues with facility, and concerns/complaints of members.
- Keep facility/equipment clean and free of clutter.
- Be ready and able to respond to all emergencies.
- Emphasize fun; make the Y a happy place with positive relationships.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be able to regularly lift and carry 50 pounds, work with hands overhead, and work on hands and knees.
- Needs to be a people person - one who excels at connecting with others.
- Knowledge of fitness equipment is helpful but not required.
- Must be 18 years old.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The YMCA of Monroe County, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental, and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Monroe County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.