The Youth Empowerment Series – YES!
Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
The Need
Based on recent MSDE 2024 – 2025 Report Card data, the current 4-year graduation rate is 80.2%. Prince George’s County and Baltimore City ranked lowest on the 2024 – 2025 report card for 4-year graduation rates. Across both Maryland and the United States, Census data suggests that individuals without a high school degree earn approximately 20% less per year than those who graduate high school. The stark difference in annual earnings is even greater when compared with individuals who earn a 4-year college degree. Those who drop out of high school earn approximately 54% less than bachelor’s degree holders.
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.
