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Marquette University
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee , WI 53201
Phone: (414) 288-5759
Fax: (414) 288-5987
E-mail: lawrence.pan@marguette.edu
Title: Youth Empowered to Succeed (Y.E.S.) Project
Project Director: Lawrence Pan, Ph.D.
Project Amount Funded (FY 2006): $244,056
Target Population: Hispanic/Latino Youth, Grades 9-10
The goal of the Y.E.S. Project is to provide comprehensive support to a cohort of 50 youth that will help in the development of their protective and resiliency skills, and help them make positive behavioral changes towards healthier lifestyles. The Y.E.S. Project uses a comprehensive, individualized case management approach for intervention where the Prevention Specialist works with each student to develop an Individual Development/Enrichment/Action (IDEA) plan. The IDEA Plan identifies the student's strengths and weaknesses and develops a workplan to improve identified key areas. Program partners include Centro de la Communidad/United Community Center, Bruce-Guadalupe Community School , and Latino Arts, Inc. Academic Enrichment activities involve afterschool tutoring twice per week focusing on the areas of math, science, and English; and workshops on setting goals, study skills, job hunting, college applications, standardized tests, and the FAFSA. The Y.E.S Project dedicates significant resources to students personal development and wellness. Each student taking part in the program receives a thorough health screening by fitness and wellness professionals and is provided with a tailored fitness and wellness plan. Students take part in a host of community service events including an annual Hunger Clean-up day, and serve as mentors for a summer transition program for younger students. Cultural enrichment activities include workshops in Latin American classical music traditions as well as group instruction on instruments such as the violin, viola, and playing in an orchestra. Students are exposed to a variety of media workshops including: paint, sculptures, glass, metal, wood, pottery, swing/quilting, photography, and ceramics. As part of the career development component, students examine their personal strengths and weaknesses to gain a better understanding of themselves. In addition, participants are exposed to field trips and speakers which focus heavily on occupations in health care and social services. Y.E.S. Project participants are matched with Marquette undergraduate and graduate student mentors who serve as positive role models and mentors. Parental involvement is a critical part of the Y.E.S. Project and parents are required to attend several parent activities throughout the year and are regularly invited to volunteer at events.