Empowered Futures Graduation December 2025
December 18, 2025The Granite YMCA Tackles Childcare Workforce Shortage with Eleven Graduates of the Development Program entitled "Empowered Futures"
The Granite YMCA Empowered Futures Program is dedicated to tackling New Hampshire’s childcare shortage and building a stronger community by developing the next generation of early childhood education and youth development professionals. With the guidance and partnership of the ReGen Tech Valley Hub, New Hampshire Community Colleges, and dedicated YMCA staff, The Granite YMCA celebrated the graduation of 11 students who have recently completed the Empowered Futures Childcare Workforce Development Apprenticeship Program.
"Through coursework, training and career-sharing opportunities, our graduates are closer to realizing their dreams of working within the childcare field and as an added benefit to the state of New Hampshire, we are making a positive impact on the childcare crisis," said Michele Sheppard, CEO of The Granite YMCA. "Taking proactive measures to implement change in the childcare field makes us all extremely proud. We are not doing this alone and we deeply appreciate the partnerships with local organizations who understand the long-term impact we will have with a program such as this," explained Sheppard.
Where the Graduates Will Enter the Workforce:
- YMCA of Greater Londonderry
- Elliot Child Care
- The Granite YMCA of Somersworth
- Easterseals New Hampshire
- YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown
- Exploring options with the U.S. Airforce
- YMCA of Downtown Manchester
- The NEST Family Center in Londonderry
- YMCA of Concord
Graduates of The Granite YMCA's Empowered Futures Program (L to R): Ja'Keila B., Kylah V., Dalianette A., Eugene "John" M., Jennifer T., Stephanie G., Carson S., Kathleen "Katie" S., Ashlyn J., Abigail G., and Wanda D. (not pictured).
About The Granite YMCA
As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its seven branches, and two overnight camps, engages 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2025, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at over $1.6 million to 12,000 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.
