Moore & Van Allen Hosts Y Achievers

Eight local high school students received a first-hand glimpse of life in the legal industry at Moore & Van Allen’s Charlotte office in December.  The students who participated are members of the Y Achievers program, which was launched by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to address one of Charlotte’s most critical needs:  increasing the graduation rate from 73.6% to 90% by 2014.  

The Firm has a long-standing relationship with the McCrorey YMCA, and their branch is one of three Charlotte YMCAs particularly invested in the Y Achievers program.  Y Achievers helps teens set and achieve post-secondary education and future career goals.  Students can join the program during their freshman year of high school, and continue through their senior year.  The students chosen to participate primarily live in low-to-moderate income communities and attend West Charlotte, West Mecklenburg or Vance high schools, which are among the schools that have the lowest graduation rates in CMS.  Students are identified with help from Communities in Schools’ site coordinators, school counselors, teachers and administrators.

“We received great feedback from the teens.  They truly enjoyed their time with Moore & Van Allen.  And you were given two thumbs up as, and I quote, ‘cool and relatable.’  Not an easy status to gain with a group of teens!” Michelle Mosko, the YMCA’s Director of Volunteer and Participant Engagement, said via email.  “It was an invaluable day for them!”

Financial services member Amy Johnson and corporate member Rick Hazlett spent time explaining their work and respective roles within the firm to students.  The Y Achievers also had lunch with the attorneys, and met with representatives from the Firm’s human resources, IT and marketing departments.  One of the goals was to provide the Achievers with a comprehensive look at the various career opportunities available within the industry in addition to becoming a lawyer.

For more information about Y Achievers please contact Senior Program Director Lotticia Mack at Lotticia.mack@ymcacharlotte.org or at 704-716-4888.