For the past decade, YESPhilly has designed and implemented an intensive youth development model for young adults, created innovative programs and curricula, and advocated for more and better targeted resources for high school dropouts. In our first years, YESPhilly worked with the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Youth Network to establish the Youth Opportunity Centers. YESPhilly is a place for young adults who have dropped out of school to get an education and support to get into college or get a job. Everyone at YESPhilly also participates in our media arts studios, and has counseling support. We help students make key changes that put them on the path to success. Students take academic courses at their levels, including basic, GED and pre-college classes. YESPhilly classes are small, and designed to be fast-paced and interesting. Media arts studio courses are a place to learn by doing, and tap into everyone’s creativity.

1999