The Youth Empowerment Series – YES!
Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
The Need
Prince George’s County faces significant challenges in ensuring the success and well-being of its youth. Many young people are more likely to engage in health-risk behaviors—including substance use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, violence, and risky sexual activity—that are the leading causes of disease and death in the United States. These behaviors often begin in adolescence and extend into adulthood.
Compounding these concerns is the county’s high rate of “disconnected youth”—defined as individuals ages 16–24 who are neither in school nor working. The Brookings Institute reports that Prince George’s County has more than 7,000 disconnected youth, contributing to low graduation rates and reduced economic opportunity. On average, Maryland high school dropouts earn $150,000 less over their lifetime and cost the state more than $300,000 in lost productivity and services.
Our Solution
The Youth Empowerment Series – YES! Mentoring Program addresses these challenges by providing research-based interventions proven to reduce dropout rates and promote positive development. Mentoring has been identified by the National Dropout Prevention Center as one of the most effective strategies for supporting at-risk youth.
YES! is designed to:
- Motivate students to graduate high school and pursue post-secondary opportunities.
- Equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
- Build a community of empowered, resilient young people who lead by example and uplift their peers.
Program Overview
The Youth Empowerment Series – YES! is offered free of charge at select Prince George’s County high schools. Each program is tailored to the unique needs of its students and provides a holistic blend of academic, personal, and leadership development.
Participants engage in:
- Workshops and seminars focused on academic success, life skills, and future planning.
- Health and wellness education addressing the risks of drugs, alcohol, violence, and unsafe behaviors.
- Service learning projects that foster civic responsibility and community engagement.
- Out-of-school experiences that broaden horizons and cultivate new interests.
Our Themes
- Career Planning & College Preparation
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness
- Health, Nutrition & Physical Activity
- Healthy Relationships & Violence Prevention
- Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
- Effective Communication & Public Speaking
- Etiquette & Social Skills
- Financial Literacy & Goal Setting
- Leadership Development & Community Service
- Self-Esteem, Body Image & Mental Wellness
- Responsible Technology & Social Media Use
Our Impact
Through mentoring, skill-building, and real-world experiences, the Youth Empowerment Series – YES! empowers Prince George’s County youth to rise above challenges, achieve academic success, and step confidently into adulthood. YES! not only prevents dropouts—it creates pathways for lifelong achievement, leadership, and community impact.
