Celebration Photos Are Here | Click Here to View the Album
Celebration Photos Are Here | Click Here to View the Album
Equipping K-12 students with hope, connection, and the skills to thrive through transformative youth development programs.
Youth Equipped to Succeed (YES) is a 501(c)(3) education nonprofit founded in 2002 by Dan Bailey, who continues to serve as CEO. In 2019, YES merged with Aim for Success, a respected nonprofit that had been delivering research-based wellness education programs since 1993. Together, we’ve expanded our reach and impact, equipping over 5.8 million students, parents, and educators across 43 states with resourced experiences that foster hope, connection, and lasting success.
We care deeply even when it’s tough.
We confront cultural challenges in real time.
We inspire life-changing relationships for lasting success.
Youth Equipped to Suceeed comprises unique individuals from all walks of life. Yet, we come together to serve the mission of: Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope. We respect, value, and celebrate diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are empowered and heard. We believe this is what better connects us to the students, parents, and educators we serve from all cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. We are committed to modeling diversity within our board of directors’ governance, staff members, community partners, and volunteers, and strive to continue an ongoing conversation and reflection of our efforts.
Every student is equipped to succeed; empowered by hope and connection.
Today’s students face overwhelming cultural pressures, rising mental health challenges, and the lasting effects of social media and the pandemic. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared youth mental health a national crisis—urgent action is needed.
At YES, we believe A connected student is a protected student.®
Through our positive youth development programs, we equip all students to say “YES!” to their dreams and “no” to destructive choices—fostering hope, connection, and a path to a healthy, successful future.
Proven Impact
With 22+ years of service, YES has impacted 5.8 million students, parents, and educators, driving lasting outcomes.
Direct Access to Students
Our educator partnerships ensure direct access to students during the school day for maximum program impact.
Youth Culture Expertise
Our certified, relatable speakers address critical youth issues with passion and relevance.
Actionable Student Feedback
We process 39,000+ student surveys yearly, giving schools data to address specific needs and track progress.
Parental Engagement and Transparency
We empower parents with preview sessions, free resources, and tools like our Connections e-newsletter.
(Large Assemblies): Our nationally recognized speakers provide powerful and purposeful messages by sharing their own stories of overcoming adversity.
(Research-Based): Our professionally trained team of speakers deliver research-based content, putting students on a path toward healthy and successful futures.
(Unique In-School Model): Providing positive peer connections and learning opportunities that are highly engaging and vital to students’ social and emotional development needs.
Over 5.8 million students, parents, and educators have been impacted through our programs and resources! Whether you make a one-time gift or become a monthly donor, your contribution—of any size—helps bring hope and connection to the students, parents, and educators we serve. Thank you for making a difference!
