• YES, a nonprofit, seeks to help kids reach goals and avoid risky behaviors by offering research-based health education programs on a variety of topics using methods including (1) motivational experiences like assemblies, (2) wellness education program, and (3) in school peer-to-peer mentoring.
• The group offers in-person experiences that teach about the outcomes of following the success sequence in unique and powerful ways outside of basic instructional materials.

​In seeking resources that teach youth about the outcomes of following the “success sequence,” Sutherland Institute has found a variety of methods and models, which is an encouraging find for interested state education leaders. All schools and teachers have unique populations that may need different approaches than other groups.

Below are details of a program that offers students and teachers some engaging ways to teach the success sequence outside of simple instructional materials.

Description of the program

A group founded in 2002 by Dan Bailey, called YES (stands for Youth Equipped to Succeed), offers youth development programs that aim to help kids achieve their dreams and avoid risky behaviors. Its mission as listed on its website is “Growing value and vision in youth by combatting isolation and imparting hope.”

The group seeks to accomplish its mission by offering research-based health education programs on a variety of topics, using methods that include (1) motivational experiences like assemblies, (2) wellness education programs (small groups for health education), and (3) in-school peer-to-peer mentoring.

Motivational assemblies and small group experiences are led by one of the YES professional speakers, providing a human dynamic that has made its programming impactful.

Program topics include: academic success; bullying prevention; character development; depression and suicide prevention; drug and alcohol prevention; goal setting; mental health; overcoming adversity; puberty and adolescent development; relationships and sexual health; self-esteem; standardized testing; technology and social media safety; and teen dating violence. Examples of outlines for these topics can be found on the YES website.

While the group is available for schools to book speakers for student learning, its work extends beyond this and provides training to both educators and parents. Professional development for educators is another part of the group’s work. It even has resources for parents to talk about tough subjects with their kids.

So far, the work of YES has reached 43 states, with over 100 education programs, topics and resources available. According to its website, as of today, 5.2 million students, parents and educators have been reached with its content.

How it promotes the success sequence

YES provides small group experiences on the success sequence through a discussion format led by one of its professional speakers. For instance, rather than simply presenting information or data on the success sequence (which they do as well), a speaker facilitates a discussion on the topic by asking students what it means for them to be successful, or who’s the most successful person they know and what makes them successful. Alongside sharing the data, speakers help students identify their “why” in choosing the success sequence, even having the YES speakers share their own stories. The small group experiences are designed to demonstrate how the success sequence can be relevant to students’ lives. It gives speakers the chance to untangle the common criticisms of the success sequence and help students think through the issues in their own lives.

How YES programs match existing grade 7-12 Utah standards

Existing state standards may apply to the YES program offerings on the success sequence. For educators interested in teaching about the outcomes of following the success sequence through YES experiences or their training, they might find the material helps meet standards in Health Education and General Financial literacy discussed here.

Conclusion

Luckily many resources for teaching about the outcomes of following the success sequence exist. For school leaders looking for unique and powerful ways to incorporate it into their classroom or schools, they might find that YES has offerings worth considering.