Spring is a busy season for young people at YES with the longer and warmer days. Boston youth and teens get active in the outdoors, learn new skills, build confidence, connect with positive role models, and have fun. Some of our favorite highlights from Spring 2023 are below!
More than 120 Boston youth participated in YES’s Spring Track & Field program at Moakley Park in South Boston. Youth in grades 2-8 were introduced to the basics of the sport and improved their skills by learning new techniques and drills. In addition to weekly practices, young people had the opportunity to participate in the B.A.A. Youth Relay hosted by the Boston Athletic Association during Boston Marathon weekend. Youth raced down Boylston Street and cheered on their teammates near the finish line of the iconic marathon route.
This spring, YES continued its partnership with Dorchester’s Tech Boston Academy (Grades 6-12). Throughout the month of May, students from the school participated in weekly programing and had the chance to experience canoeing, biking, rock climbing, and hiking. YES partners with Tech Boston in the fall, winter, and spring to bring their students into the outdoors and provide them opportunities to try new outdoors sports.
YES also continued to partner with the Mildred C. Hailey and Urban Edge housing developments to provide access for youth residents to be physically active and reduce barriers to participate in YES programs. YES staff and volunteers facilitated a weekly biking program that taught youth how to ride and challenged them with skill building while riding along the Southwest Corridor Park.
Throughout the school-year, teens in the YES Leadership Corps College Prep program receive one-on-one advising on the college process, including help with their college essays, support through the financial aid process, and advice on picking the right program. During April Vacation, a group of teens in the program had the opportunity to visit nearby colleges. Campus stops on the tour included Brandeis University and Harvard University. Teens were able to explore different campuses, see campus life in action, and learn about a wide variety of majors and programs.