Published: 08/31/2026 - 8:00 AM
PHILADELPHIA, PA — August 31, 2026 — The Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s NextGen Leadership Program has awarded a combined $207,000 in scholarships to 19 exceptional young people from Philadelphia, Montgomery and Burlington counties, helping them take the next step toward their educational and career goals.
The NextGen Scholarship Program is about more than financial assistance. It represents an investment in the potential, determination, and future success of young people as they take steps toward their goals. The scholarship is the capstone of the Y's broader NextGen continuum — a suite of programs spanning college preparation and career readiness through Y Achievers, hands-on career exposure through Teen Workforce Development, civic leadership through Youth Civic Engagement, and technology and innovation through the Teen Tech Center. Together, these programs help young people build the skills, connections, and confidence to pursue college, career, and civic pathways — and the scholarship helps ensure that financial barriers don't stand between them and the opportunities they've worked toward.
Scholarship awards of up to $15,000 can be applied to college or post-secondary education; trade, vocational, or workforce training; career certification and credential programs; professional development; and required program materials and fees. The program is open to current and former participants across the Y’s NextGen programs, including Youth Civic Engagement, Y-Achievers, Teen Workforce Development, the Camden Y, and the Teen Tech Center.
The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is honored to recognize the following 2026 NextGen Scholarship recipients:
- Aradhana Sahu
- Edward Darnell Thompson Jr.
- Jayla Russell-Muse
- Mikayla Scott
- Christopher Turner
- Duyen Nguyen
- Jada Loretta Garrick
- Jada Mone’t Fagan
- Jakiyah Wright
- Jameris Evans
- Jamil Zaniah Murphy
- Janell Payne
- Lailah-Kate Lawrence
- Malachi Riveras
- Nyheem Gallman
- Nyjera Choice
- Nykeira Gardiner
- Tyler Pham Dy
- Zachary Caldwell
“Every young person on this list has already shown us who they are — driven, capable, and ready to build the future they imagine for themselves. Our job is to help clear the path,” said Andrea Muhammad, Vice President of NextGen Leadership at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. “This scholarship is an investment in their goals, on their terms, whether that means a university, a trade, or a certification that launches a career. When we remove the financial barriers standing between talent and opportunity, these young people do the rest. We could not be prouder to walk alongside them.”