Harley-Davidson Motor Company sponsors 2008 YMCA Black College Tour

MILWAUKEE (March 25, 2008) -

The 17th Annual YMCA Black Achievers Historically Black College Tour, sponsored by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, departed Saturday, March 22, 2008 from the Northside YMCA, 1350 W. North Avenue.  Seventy Milwaukee high school students will spend spring break touring six prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the south and learning about the opportunities offered in a college setting.  Chaperones on the tour are Black Achievers who provide counsel in the college application process and assistance in completing financial aid paperwork. 

“More than 90% of the nearly 2,000 Milwaukee area students who have participated in the tour have gone on to college,” said Gail Lione, President of the Harley-Davidson Foundation.  “Harley-Davidson is proud to support a program that excites and inspires our young people to pursue their education and their dreams.” 

 “The YMCA Black Achievers Annual Black College Tour is a multi-layered experience for students.  It allows them the experience of being away from home for a week, working together with other students, and touring Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Marsha Lee, Black Achievers Director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “The primary goal of the Black College Tour is to provide an opportunity for Milwaukee teens to visit these colleges and learn the expectations for admission.  The teens continually return home from the tour inspired to succeed in high school and their community, with firmer goals and the commitment to achieve them.  I look forward to seeing the results of this experience manifested in the students.”

 “The Black College Tour is an example of the YMCA’s commitment to urban education.  Programs like Black Achievers give students an edge in preparing for and applying to college.  It’s a strong example of how our YMCA programs affect young lives,” said Bob Yamachika, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “The unique, innovative approach of our Black Achievers program is one of the most effective educational programs for urban youth.”

Students go through an application and interview process to be selected for tour participation.  In addition to the interviews, students are required to have at least a 2.7 GPA and three letters of recommendation.  The YMCA Black Achievers program and its many curriculum components, such as the Black College Tour, relies on adult mentors from the business community to foster business education in young teens. 

“This tour would not be possible without the generosity of our friends at Harley-Davidson,” said Lee. “The support they have given over the years is a testament to Harley-Davidson’s dedication and commitment to this community and the YMCA is grateful for their sponsorship.”

Tour Schedule

• March 24:  North Carolina A&T
• March 25:  Bennett College
• March 26:  University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University
• March 27:  Johnson C. Smith University
• March 28:  Kentucky State University

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is a strong supporter of education programs for youth, including the YMCA Black Achievers Program, YMCA Young Leaders Academy, Junior Achievement and Fueling Young Minds summer meals program. The Harley-Davidson Foundation was established in 1993 and is the charitable organization of Harley-Davidson, Inc.  The Foundation considers proposals for funding in the areas where the company has corporate facilities.  The Foundation focuses the majority of its investments in the areas of education and community revitalization.  The Foundation also supports programs in arts and culture, health, the environment and national veteran’s initiatives.

The YMCA Black Achievers program is a cooperative venture that marshals the resources of the home,   the school, the corporate community and the YMCA to help youth set and attain high education and career goals.  Since 1982, African American professionals from the Milwaukee community have served as role models and have fostered personal, educational and professional growth among YMCA Teen Achievers groups at eight Y branches.  Sponsored by their employers, Black Achievers enjoy the social and career benefits of working within a thriving network of minority professionals, while serving their community and our youth.