our mission in action
All of our programs at YWCA Princeton aim to advance our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We strive to empower through education and create opportunities for personal and professional growth and advancement, often to address byproducts of inequity. Our year-round antiracism efforts include community collaborations, hosting panel discussions, providing educational resources and inspiring action.
Learn more about our programs below, and click here to read testimonials from community members directly impacted and supported by our work.
YWCA supports improving access to quality, affordable, and accessible early childhood programs as a means of reducing barriers to successful workplace participation by women, particularly women of color. Our comprehensive learning curriculum empowers children with culturally sensitive, developmentally-appropriate activities that promote social-emotional learning. The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton serves children ages 8 weeks to 6 years old.
YWCA supports providing people of all ages and abilities with programs that enhance their well-being. Our Aquatics program provides swimming lessons, competitive swim training, and pool access to toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors.
YWCA supports improving access to women’s health initiatives, thereby empowering women to take control over their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our Breast Cancer Resource Center provides support to breast cancer thrivers and survivors, including transportation assistance to critical medical appointments, support groups, fitness and wellness programs, a wig and prosthesis boutique, and more.
YWCA supports providing children access to programs that engage their creativity, and encourage physical activity. Our dance program provides a safe and nurturing environment for self-expression. For children enrolled in The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton, our dance program is an enrichment opportunity that can be included in their child care.
YWCA supports immigrant justice because it is integral to racial justice. All immigrants–regardless of status–deserve to be safe, healthy, and treated with dignity and respect. English literacy empowers immigrants to advocate for themselves in every aspect of their lives. Our ESL program serves immigrants and adult learners in the Trenton and Princeton areas; we also oer free U.S citizenship preparation classes.
YWCA supports education as a means to achieve equity. A high school diploma or equivalent is paramount to an individual’s self-sufficiency and financial independence. Our High School Equivalency programs in the Trenton and Princeton areas oer preparation classes and onsite testing for individuals earning their high school diploma equivalent.
YWCA supports advancing the economic security, financial independence, and self-sufficiency of women, especially women of color, as a means of achieving true racial and gender equity. Latinas Unidas provides job readiness and placement as well as workforce development education to Trenton-based women.
YWCA supports creating inclusive spaces for community members to come together and feel accepted. The YWCA Princeton Area Newcomers & Friends invite you to join a social group where new friendships are formed, experiences are shared, and a vibrant community is celebrated.
YWCA believes that empowered women empower women. NEXT GEN is a Board comprised of professional women ages 21 – 34 who want to advance the YWCA mission while receiving mentorship opportunities.
YWCA Princeton founded Stand Against Racism with the former YWCA Trenton in 2007. It has since become a signature campaign of YWCA USA and all YWCAs across the nation. Stand Against Racism is a year-long campaign to unite our voices to educate, promote, and advocate for racial justice. Through this campaign, we invite our community to take a stand with us against racism.
YWCA supports STEM programming for girls of color because it reduces the gender and racial disparities present in the STEM field. Our all-girls robotics program provides year-round opportunities for girls in grades 4 – 12 to program, design, and build robots.