Centering Youth in Community Violence Prevention

“I was pleasantly surprised by the YES training and I am considering implementing YES at my school. The program was comprehensive but simple to understand from an instructional standpoint. I believe this program empowers students and gives them tools to continue healthy, safety-improving, life-sustaining community work.”

“Excellent self-paced online training for the YES program! All the vital parts are in the training to implement the YES Program successfully!”

“I had an amazing time teaching YES. I got to see my students in a different way and I got to see them grow as leaders outside of the classroom and that was a really really cool experience.”

“I saw my students grow socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. I saw them become leaders. I've seen growth from the students, I see ownership, I got to see them in action owning their project and seeing what that looks like for these 11- and 12-year-olds. That was just an amazing experience to see how they fit into those shoes that they are creating for themselves.”

“It was an experience where I got to learn and grow with people my age and stay out of trouble. When you offer kids fun and freedom together, you give them a sense of accomplishment. We all got an opportunity to be in a leadership position. Becoming a part of YES brought out qualities out of me like leadership skills that I never knew I had. Your city may not be the greatest place, but you can fix it.”

“We all have different opinions but we were able to come together in the YES program, share ideas and socialize. We worked together as a team a lot more now compared to the beginning. We were able to communicate and help the community to be a better place. Working together on a project brings people together”