Power Scholars Academy: More Than a Summer Program
Investing in More Than Academic Success
This summer, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco celebrated more than another Power Scholars Academy graduation. It marked 10 years of investing in children in grades 1-8 through a program that has helped scholars build academic confidence, discover their potential, and create brighter futures across the Bay Area.
Created to combat summer learning loss, Power Scholars Academy combines rigorous academics with enrichment, physical activity, and social-emotional learning to help scholars return to school ready to succeed. As the program celebrates its first decade, its impact extends far beyond six weeks of summer. It is helping shape stronger students, stronger families, and stronger communities.
Over the past decade, Power Scholars Academy has grown into one of the YMCA’s most impactful youth development initiatives. That success is the result of a community coming together—educators, families, community partners, donors, and YMCA staff—all united by the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. This year’s graduation honored four recipients whose leadership has helped make that vision possible.
The Results Go Beyond the Classroom
Over the past 10 years, Power Scholars Academy has produced measurable results for scholars, families, and communities. In 2023, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco served more than 1,160 scholars. The program provided each scholar up to 90 hours of instruction at no cost to families. On average, scholars gained 1.5 months in reading and 2.5 months in math. Those gains reversed the expected summer learning loss and creating a net academic gain of approximately three months.
But academic growth is only part of the story.
Power Scholars Academy makes learning something young people look forward to. Engaging curriculum, hands-on activities, enrichment opportunities, and field trips bring lessons to life. These experiences spark curiosity, joy, and a desire to keep learning.. The program gives scholars opportunities to explore new interests, build relationships with caring adults, and see themselves as capable learners.
When young people feel excited about learning, they begin to see new possibilities for themselves. That confidence extends beyond the classroom, carrying into the school year, their families, and the communities they call home.
Four Honorees, One Shared Commitment
The success of Power Scholars Academy isn’t built by one teacher, one branch, or one summer. It takes long-term partnership, trusted community leaders, dedicated educators, and a shared belief in what young people can achieve. This year’s award recipients each represent a different piece of that ecosystem.
The PSA Legacy Award
The PSA Legacy Award honored the Buchanan YMCA Power Scholars Academy team. They were awarded for ten years of partnership, consistency, and unwavering belief in scholars. The Buchanan team works closely with school-day educators. Together, they have helped drive strong academic outcomes. Their work supported African American students at John Muir Elementary School in achieving the highest district-wide math performance. Buchanan also keeps scholars connected to the YMCA year after year, with some returning as interns and YMCA staff. Their legacy lives in more than academic achievement. It lives in the generations of young people who continue to grow with the YMCA.
The Star Partner Award
The Star Partner Award recognized the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF). Their investment has helped expand access to Power Scholars Academy for young people across the city. Their support ensures that every child has access to high-quality learning, caring mentors, and opportunities to succeed. It is a reminder that lasting impact is only possible when public partners and community organizations invest in young people together.
The Finding Your Genius in Action Award
The Finding Your Genius in Action Award celebrated the Chinatown YMCA PSA team. They have demonstrated what excellence looks like at scale since joining the program in its second year. The team served 300 scholars, making Chinatown the largest Power Scholars Academy site to date. Strong systems, consistent leadership, and genuine care help create an environment where academic growth, belonging, and joy flourish together.
The Spirit of Joy Award
Finally, the Spirit of Joy Award honored the Richmond YMCA PSA team for proving that high expectations and joyful experiences go hand in hand. Their culture reminds us that when scholars feel connected, celebrated, and excited to learn, they are more likely to discover confidence in themselves and carry that confidence beyond the classroom.
Together, these honorees illustrate what makes Power Scholars Academy so impactful. Lasting partnerships. Community investment. Consistent leadership. Joyful learning. Each is essential on its own, but together they create the conditions for young people to thrive.
A Future Worth Investing In
As Power Scholars Academy enters its second decade, its greatest impact lives in the young people who have grown through the program. The thousands of young people who have discovered confidence, built lasting relationships, and found new possibilities for their future.
Strong communities thrive when young people have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their ZIP code. Whether a scholar attends Power Scholars Academy in Chinatown, Richmond, Buchanan, or another neighborhood, they gain access to caring adults, high-quality instruction, enriching experiences, and a community that believes in their potential.
Together, they are helping build a Bay Area where every young person has the opportunity to find their genius, realize their potential, and contribute to a stronger, more connected community.
