Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a private, nonprofit organization which provides affordable and impactful sports-based youth development and leadership programming for Boston children and teens. Founded in 1968 by Richard Williams, YES believes deeply in the transformative power of engaging youth in active outdoor activities.
YES is dedicated to serving Boston youth with a targeted focus on reaching low-to-moderate income children and teens in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and our future neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. YES currently serves more than 1,600 children and teens annually.
YES Mission
Inspire youth through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities that build confidence and prepare them to summit life’s challenges.
YES Vision
Empower Boston youth to lead and to achieve their full potential.
YES Values
Equity
Access & Affordability
Teamwork
Leadership Development
Volunteerism
Respect and Responsibility
Safety
Resiliency
Formula for Success
In order to deepen the impact of these programs, YES has established three tiers of programming. As YES youth move through each tier, they gain new experiences, gain confidence and build leadership skills. When YES youth complete the final level programming, they are better equipped for success in school, work, and life.
GAIN NEW EXPERIENCES: Introductory Experiences & Activities – youth gain new experiences they would not have the opportunity to otherwise
YES Programs: Operation SnowSports and Outdoor Adventure one day adventures.
BUILD CONFIDENCE: Youth gain confidence through repetitive activities over the course of a season
YES Programs: YETTI (Youth Excel Through Tailored Instruction) Ski and Snowboard program, Cross Country ski program, Outdoor Adventure week-long sessions, YES Track and Field seasonal programs.
CREATE PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP: Youth build leadership skills through high-impact programming
YES Programs: YES Academy programs include Leadership Corps Program.