Derek Drew

Derek Drew was first exposed to the YMCA at a young age, where he played basketball and swam. The YMCA became a place of fun and community for him during his childhood.

When Derek went through a rebellious stage in high school and lost his way, his father found a flyer for Job Prep, the Greater Wichita YMCA's teen job readiness program. Derek joined the program with the goal of earning money for a car, but he found much more — mentorship, life skills and professional development.

Through the job prep program, Derek was mentored by Y staff member Tyrone Baker who helped Derek see the world in a new light. Tyrone didn’t just teach job skills — he prepared Derek for adulthood, inspiring him to become a better student and make more responsible decisions.

"Without Job Prep, I don't know if I would have had the ambition to keep trying to grow and push myself," Derek said. "I probably would just would have spent my summers hanging out with friends, not worrying about anything and making some bad choices. Job Prep prepared me for being an adult more than school ever could."

Derek credits the YMCA's Job Prep program and the first summer job it provided him at the South YMCA with helping him turn his life around giving him the ambition and direction to pursue a successful career. 

"Working at the South YMCA was a life-changing experience," he said. "I met so many really good people, and it was the first time in my life where I had real responsibility and had to present myself professionally. It was just a really good summer."

Derek now works as a software developer in  Wichita, having lived in places like Seattle and Kansas City. The YMCA, through Job Prep, set the foundation for his professional success.