WHAT
WE DO
THE YEP
WAY.
In addition to YEP's core values, the YEP Way outlines the principles that define YEP's approach to youth development and community-based programming. These principles inform everything we do.
WHERE WE WORK.
Our YEP Way icons were designed by YEP youth interns on our Communications team.
OUR SERVICE AREAS.
YEP Mentors
YEP Mentors is a community-based mentoring program for system-involved young people, ages 8 to 21, who are referred to YEP by the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, or the St. Charles Parish Juvenile Court. YEP youth advocates provide participants with supportive services, individualized goal setting, and case management.
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Currently, only youth referred by contract partners are eligible for enrollment.
Since the pandemic began in March, YEP has responded by providing home internet access for participants in order to keep them connected to programs and services. For much of the spring and summer, we offered programs remotely, suplemented by one-on-one and socially distanced, small group activities.
This fall, we have focused on addressing educational equity by supporting youth facing the challenges of distance learning. We provided flexible, out-of-school resources for youth, including deep mentoring relationships, tutoring, supportive services, alternate educational pathways, creative career exploration, and structured extracurricular activities.
We anticipate a long and uneven road to recovery once the pandemic finally subsides. But YEP was here for Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath, and we’re here now, working with our community to build a future in which all young people have equal access to opportunity.
YEP Educates
YEP Educates is an adult education program that provides high school equivalency test preparation and basic instruction to out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24. Our postsecondary transition team helps students enroll in postsecondary education and secure financial aid.
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Small group and virtual classes available at our Mid-City and Algiers locations.
YEP Enriches
YEP Enriches is an out-of-school time enrichment program for young people, ages 7 to 18, in the Central City neighborhood of New Orleans. YEP’s Afterschool Program and Summer Camp offer a range of structured activities, including a basketball team, drumline, and dance team, as well as cooking classes, arts and music instruction, tutoring, and homework help. YEP also runs Louisiana’s only Camp Mariposa, a national addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth who have been impacted by substance abuse in their families.
YEP Works
YEP Works is a work-based learning program for youth, ages 16 to 24, who are either disconnected from school or enrolled in alternative or non-traditional educational programs. Participants earn stipends while gaining transferable work-based skills in customer service and social emotional learning. Our postsecondary and employment transition team helps graduates progress into employment, internships, postsecondary education, and advanced training programs.