WHAT
WE DO

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.

Over the past 18 years, YEP has expanded to meet the growing needs of young people in the Greater New Orleans Area. Today, YEP engages young people, ages 7-24, through community-based education, mentoring, employment readiness, and enrichment programs. 

YEP Educates is an adult education program that provides high school equivalency test preparation and basic instruction to out-of-school youth ages 16 and older. Our postsecondary transition team helps students enroll in postsecondary education and training programs, and secure financial aid.

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Classes are available in Mid City, Algiers, and New Orleans East.

YEP Enriches is an out-of-school time enrichment program for young people, ages 7 to 18. 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 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.