Advocating for Expanded Access to Youth Programs - April 2025 Newsletter

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Student Delegate Janhitha Veeramachaneni (Newark Y/Infinity Institute), and Y Alliance CEO Julie Gallanty in Chambers at the State House

Youth and Government participant, Janhitha Veeramachaneni, testified before the Legislature to request a $1,000,000 appropriation in the FY2026 budget to expand access to YMCA Youth and Government program (YAG) and Safety Around Water (SAW) programming in New Jersey communities.

The proposed FY2026 funding would build on the success of the FY2025 appropriation, which is supporting 9 local YMCAs to begin or expand YAG programming and outreach to enroll students living at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. This year, with the Legislature and Governor’s support, YMCAs are recruiting an additional 244 eligible new students in collaboration with school partners throughout New Jersey, including in Camden, Jersey City, Paterson, Bloomfield, Asbury Park, Garfield, Somerville, Hamilton, and more, bringing the total number of Youth and Government participants to just under 400. 

FY2026 funding of $450,000 would amplify the impact and reach of the FY2025 appropriation, which enabled 21 local YMCAs to expand SAW programming and outreach to youth living at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. Due to the Legislature and Governor’s ongoing support, YMCAs are teaching the basics of swimming – including water acclimation, movement, and stamina – to an anticipated 1,000 new eligible youth between the ages of 5 to 14 years, providing necessary swim gear and transportation to and from YMCA aquatics facilities to children who need it most.

For more information or to offer your support, contact us at njymca@njyalliance.org.