Main Body
CHICAGO (August 11, 2026) - YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the 2,600+ YMCAs across the country, is excited to partner with General Motors (GM) for a second year to enhance STEM education opportunities for youth in rural communities across the country. Through this collaboration, Y-USA and GM aim to bridge educational gaps and equip young learners with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving workforce.
The partnership provides YMCA staff with STEM-based educational training and serve as a model for rural STEM education in the future. By integrating STEM education with local industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and environmental sciences, the initiative seeks to develop relevant skills and increase job prospects for young people.
This expansion broadens programming from five YMCA locations to 18 with many sites located within communities where GM facilities are located:
- Cleveland Family YMCA (YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga) (TN)
- Noble County YMCA (OK)
- Olympic Peninsula YMCA (WA)
- Parkview Huntington Family YMCA (IN)
- River Crossing YMCA (PA)
- The Granite YMCA (NH)
- YMCA of Buffalo Niagara (NY)
- YMCA of Greater Charlotte (NC)
- YMCA of Greater Cincinnati (OH)
- YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne (IN)
- YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids (MI)
- YMCA of Greater New Orleans (LA)
- YMCA of Greater Rochester (NY)
- YMCA of High Point (NC)
- YMCA of Memphis & The Mid-South (TN)
- YMCA of Metropolitan Denver (CO)
- YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit (MI)
- YMCA of Saginaw (MI)
Rural students often face significant disparities in STEM education compared to their urban and suburban peers, leading to achievement gaps that impact their long-term academic and career prospects. Limited access to high-quality STEM resources and advanced coursework further exacerbates these challenges. A Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) study in 2022 highlighted that while rural schools are dedicated to student success, they frequently struggle with resource limitations and teacher availability, particularly in science and math. Addressing these persistent gaps requires targeted interventions to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, which is what Y-USA and GM intend to accomplish.
The Y will use this opportunity to gather valuable feedback through these 18 rural YMCAs across the United States. The findings will culminate in a comprehensive report, offering data-driven recommendations for selecting, implementing, and scaling STEM programming in rural areas.
“As we expand this partnership to more rural communities, we're creating even more opportunities for young people to explore STEM in ways that are engaging, relevant and connected to their futures,” said Curtis Lemieux, Director of Youth Development Strategy at Y-USA. “By working alongside GM, we're helping ensure that youth have access to hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity and prepare them for the careers of tomorrow.”
“This initiative is part of General Motors’ comprehensive approach to workforce development at every stage, from investing in STEM/STEAM education, apprenticeships, and continued learning opportunities that empower today’s employees and tomorrow’s workforce,” said Kristen Puchek, General Motors Vice President of Corporate Citizenship. “We're proud to build on the success of this partnership with the YMCA to help equip young people with the skills, confidence and inspiration they need to pursue future careers while strengthening the communities they call home.”
Research has shown that STEM education plays a vital role in workforce development and economic resilience. The American Institutes for Research has emphasized the importance of preparing students for future careers through hands-on, industry-relevant learning. Additionally, the Education Development Center (EDC) has highlighted the success of school and industry partnerships in fostering real-world STEM learning environments. By addressing these educational and economic disparities, Y-USA and GM are working together to create a more prosperous future for rural communities across America.
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.org.
About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.