1 in 6 teens have created a suicide plan, as in not just the idea of it but they know HOW they would go through with it (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The U.S. Surgeon General has called for coordinated and urgent action to address the current youth mental health crisis.
At Youth Equipped to Succeed (YES), we bring messages of hope and connection to K-12th grade students through positive youth development programs. We seek to partner with educators and youth advocates who want to give students a bigger, "YES!" in their lives, than the "nos" they're facing.
Our philosophy is, “A connected student is a protected student.®”
The research is clear: Positive Experiences + Positive Relationships + Positive Environments = Positive Youth Development.
At YES, we drive catalytic change in the lives of K-12th grade students through our positive youth development programs of Motivational Experiences, Wellness Education, and Peer-to-Peer Mentoring.
What makes YES unique? Because we have served as a trusted resource to parents and educators for over 21 YEARS, we have the opportunity to impact students DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Whether it's a one-time big assembly in a gymnasium or a weekly meeting in a classroom setting, we positively interrupt a student's day by giving them something they aren't expecting: HOPE AND CONNECTION. Our programs REACH STUDENTS EXACTLY WHERE THEY'RE AT in life through inspirational, engaging, and FUN content.
Our programs promote resiliency. We aim to increase protective factors in students’ lives such as family support, caring adults, positive peer groups, a strong sense of self, self-esteem, future aspirations, and engagement in school and community activities. Equipping students to say, “YES!” to their dreams and goals also empowers them to say, “no,” to risk behaviors such as drugs and alcohol, unhealthy relationships, sexual activity, bullying/cyberbullying, dropping out, and in the most severe and tragic cases, self-harm, or suicide.
Motivational Experiences (Large Assemblies): Our nationally recognized speakers provide powerful and purposeful messages of overcoming adversity and achieving their dreams and goals, reaching all students where they’re at in life.
Wellness Education (Research-Based and TEKS Aligned): Our professionally trained team of speakers delivers research-based content, putting students on a positive path toward healthy and successful futures.
Peer-to-Peer Mentoring (Unique In-School Model): Providing high school students with positive peer connections, learning and leadership opportunities vital to students’ social and emotional development needs.
Parents and Educators: YES provides parent previews and educator training. Programs are also offered and cover critical issues found in today’s youth culture. In addition, we offer free online resources such as monthly e-newsletters and access to our Motivational Moments mini video series complete with a discussion guide.
Below is a snapshot of the impact we made during the 2022-2023 school year:
This NTX Giving Day, we ask that you choose to give students hope and connection by supporting the YES mission. Thanks to a generous $50,000 match, your donation at any level will be DOUBLED, making 2X the impact on student lives this school year!
Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope.
1. 65% of the elementary, middle, and high schools we serve in Texas are classified as Title I campuses. Educators believe so strongly in our programs that they reserve funds to help pay for a portion of the cost, but that only covers 32 percent of our budget. Donations are critical in helping to fund the implementation of our programs, ultimately impacting more student lives in our community.
2. Demand for our programs is at an all-time high due to the need for positive youth development programs, and the many factors contributing to the current education crisis. Donations are vital to helping us grow our team’s capacity to deliver more in-person programs, as well as the capability to pivot and offer digital programs as an alternative to our current program offerings.
Youth Equipped to Succeed (YES) is made up of unique individuals from all walks of life, yet we come together to serve the mission of, "Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope." We respect, value, and celebrate diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are empowered and heard. We believe this is what better connects us to the students, parents, and educators we serve from all cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion within our board of directors’ governance, staff members, community partners and volunteers, and strive to continue an ongoing conversation and reflection of our efforts.
Organization name
Youth Equipped to Succeed
other names
Just Say Yes
Causes
Youth & Children, Education - K-12
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
PO Box 670863