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BUILDING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

The Youth Empowered for Success (YES) Leadership Program is dedicated to developing middle and high school-age youth into leaders who contribute to their communities, lead successful lives, and achieve their future aspirations. 

HOW WE SUPPORT

  • Interactive structured workshops
  • Individual, confidential career and college planning
  • College applications, including The Common App
  • Assessments, college & career research, and enrichment programs
  • Local College Visits
  • Volunteer opportunities 
  • Résumé and essay assistance
  • Special events
  • Senior Planning Night
  • Career Day
  • YES Leadership Conference
  • End of year Leadership Gala

HOW IT WORKS

The program is open to students who attend any public, private, or home-based school in the Shenandoah Valley. Students must be in good academic standing with their school and must have a written endorsement from their school principal or school counselor and support from their parent/guardian.

Program meetings are held on the first and third Saturday of each month and are conducted in two parts. The first hour is dedicated social and career modules focused on essential life skills and fueling conversations. The second hour practices and implements the modules through a session led by educators or professionals in related fields.

Additional opportunities to attend special events, volunteer, or work on projects occur throughout the school year.

INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE

6TH - 8TH GRADE

  • Team building 
  • Self-reflection 
  • Communication skills 
  • Public speaking 
  • Career and interests 
  • College field trips 
  • Military Day 
  • Career Day 
  • Practical money skills 
  • Nutrition and meal prep

9TH - 10TH GRADE

  • Valuing oneself 
  • Speaking up for others 
  • Negotiation and leadership 
  • Public speaking
  • Volunteering 
  • Career and interests 
  • College field trips 
  • Military Day 
  • Career Day 
  • Junior year planning 
  • Financial management (financial institution partner) 
  • YES Leadership Conference 

11TH - 12TH GRADE

  • Working through social dilemmas 
  • How have you changed? 
  • Speak up for your causes 
  • Public speaking
  • Gender in society 
  • Rights and responsibilities 
  • Career and interests 
  • College field trips 
  • Military Day 
  • Career Day 
  • Junior and Senior year planning 
  • Financial management (financial institution partner)  
  • YES Leadership Conference