The YMCA of Metro Atlanta has launched a new scholarship program that recognizes young leaders across its numerous centers.
The scholarships, totaling $14,000, are awarded to YMCA-employed teens who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership and community involvement, said a press release.
They are funded through the Schoen Foundation Scholarship Endowment, which invested $1 million to establish the initiative, with additional support from The Chick-fil-A Foundation and the Robert F. Wharton Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Receiving the inaugural award was Decatur resident Joi Ector (Southern University and A&M College student and graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School), who was named the “2025 Teen Legacy Scholar” for her work at the East Lake Family YMCA.
Nicknamed the “Y Legend,” Ector is renowned for establishing several programs, mentoring youth in her community, along with advocating for education equity and food security through the Children’s Defense Fund.
The other two recipients announced were Melanie Harper (Marist School graduate and current University of Georgia student), who spent more than six years volunteering and working at the Cowart Family YMCA and Camp High Harbour in various roles, as well as Enesii Mwanjabala (Georgia Connections Academy graduate and student at Georgia Gwinnett College), Georgia’s state representative for the YMCA Youth Advocate Program who worked with members of Congress on issues such as youth development and health equity.
“This scholarship recognizes teens who live out the values at the heart of our mission,” said Lauren Koontz, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “These young leaders give back to their communities, lead with character and approach challenges with determination and compassion.”
The scholarship program was introduced during the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s annual “Leadership and Legacy” event.