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This fall, YEP Mentors participants have been building confidence, strengthening connections, and trying new things through experiences like a recent visit from Valero volunteers, where activities focused on teamwork, stress resilience, and self-regulation. During the site visit, participants investigated how oil and water interact while creating their own lava lamps. The hands-on activity gave them a chance to learn through experimentation, ask questions, and see STEM concep

YEP Educates kicked off the fall by welcoming the Ochsner Westbank Clinic team to our Westbank site for a day of refreshing and reorganizing the space for participants. Their time and effort is greatly appreciated and a wonderful example of the many ways in which community members and partners help strengthen the YEP Educates experience. From creating a welcoming place to learn to offering encouragement and support, volunteers play important roles in helping participants feel

YEP Works participants recently visited T. Parker Host’s Avondale facility, where they learned about the company, explored career opportunities, and heard directly from professionals about their own career journeys. Conversations like these allow participants to ask questions, learn about different workforce opportunities and pathways, and begin to envision how their own interests and skills might translate into a future career. During Staff Appreciation Week, we celebrated t

As the fall gets underway, YEP Enriches is bringing together community partners and familiar activities, including a special visit from New Orleans Saints Defensive End Cam Jordan, volunteers from Strong City Tulane, and the return of the YEP Drumline and Dance Team. New Orleans Saints Defensive End Cam Jordan surprised youth at YEP’s after-school program with a special visit! He treated the kids to Raising Cane’s, spent time playing sports with them, and connected through ca

YEP Educates achieved a monumental milestone this year with an impressive 126 students earning their high school equivalency diplomas. As an official adult education provider recognized by the Louisiana Community and Technical College, we are incredibly proud to have now celebrated a cumulative total of 957 graduates, directly increasing life opportunities and earning potential for these adult learners. Our graduation ceremony was further honored by inspiring remarks from Jud

Summer 2026 was full of exploration, growth, and new opportunities! The power of partnership created unforgettable experiences for young people throughout the summer. A heartfelt thank you to the NOLA Coalition: The Rusovich Foundation, Venture Global LNG, Brian Gibbs Development, Boh Bros. Construction Co., L.L.C., and RNGD for investing in the Youth Empowerment Project’s Teen Camp through their generous Summer Challenge gift. Because of their support, our teens explored ca

This summer, YEP Mentors connected young people with our supportive Youth Advocates who provide individualized goal setting, case management, and guidance to help participants navigate their next steps. Mentees also explored career opportunities during a fun and informative tour of IMTT, where they learned about career pathways, trade skills, and training opportunities. The message was clear: work hard, keep learning, and don’t give up. Thanks to generous donors and the dedi

Our YEP Works participants are gaining exposure to unique career opportunities in the sports industry thanks to the New Orleans Sports Foundation, The X Games, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Perlis Clothing. ​ As part of this experience, YEP Works participants received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at The X Games, including the floor plans, venue build-out, and event logistics. They also had the opportunity to participate in one-on-one conversations with X Games League a