Information for...

• Youth
• Parents and Legal Guardians
• Educators and Human Service Organizations
• Businesses and Employers

About the YES Program

The Youth EmployAbility Services (YES) program assists eligible, low-income youth ages 16-21 who have significant barriers to employment. As of May 2007, the YES program is accepting referrals from youth

• who have completed their GED
• have graduated from high school
• or have officially dropped out of high school

We will also receive referrals from youth in their senior year of high school if they are in custody of the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or Juvenile Justice Services. These guidelines are dictated by our funding and contractual requirements.

YES provides a wide range of services including

• occupational skills training
• GED or high school diploma completion
• tutoring services
• leadership development
• mentoring
• internship opportunities

All these services help youth choose a career and obtain employment. Success depends on each individual. The youth, together with a friendly and knowledgeable YES staff member, set personal goals and work on achieving them. Depending on the person’s needs and aspirations, the education and employment plan may include any or all of the following components:

• Grants and scholarships for post high school and vocational training at the Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake/Tooele Applied Technology College, and other educational institutions.
• Assistance with staying in school, such developing study skills, or receiving tutoring services.
• Incentives and bonuses to reward your hard work and accomplishments.
• Opportunities and referrals to alternative school services.
• Life skills training, such as time management, leadership development, conflict management, etc.
• Parenting and interpersonal communication education.
• Mentoring from adults who care about your success.
• Unpaid job training and experiences that link what you learn in school with your career plans. This may include work experience at a business
• Assistance in locating financial aid for post high school training and education.
• Referrals to available community services and resources.
• Follow-up services to support your continued success.

Most participants who complete the YES program are able to reach their goals within approximately 24 months. If you are motivated and are willing to make a personal commitment to work hard towards achieving your goals in order to succeed, just say “YES!” and explore our site further to discover what you can accomplish as a member of the YES team.