youth enrichment services (YES) was founded by Richard Williams, who as a youngster from New York City dreamed of skiing while watching the Olympics in the 1950's. His hopes turned into reality because he had mentors, motivation, and a keen sense for helping people. In response to President Johnson's war on poverty, Williams came to Boston in 1968 to start YES in conjunction with the Vice-President's Council on Youth Opportunities. In 1972, YES was incorporated as a 501 c (3) not-for-profit organization in Massachusetts.

Over 90 percent of our constituents come from low to moderate-income families, and many would not have the opportunity to engage in positive outdoor recreation. They also represent a cross section of race and ethnicity. More than 70 percent of YES' constituents are Boston residents. YES works in partnership with over 100 schools, youth centers, police officers, and faith-based organizations. While youth are surrounded by poverty, violence and drug use, YES has always aimed to be a safe haven. Results from the 1998 Massachusetts Summit show the importance of constructive opportunities for youth between the hours of 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. on school nights. Data in Boston shows that 33 percent of all juvenile crime occur between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. YES' after school program is designed specifically to accommodate young people during these "danger hours."

YES is helping to lower the student attrition rate among urban youth by offering unique opportunities for positive risk-taking and practical experiential learning. Through outdoor and environmental experiences, YES kids:

1. Build confidence
2. Develop motor skills and physical fitness
3. Learn responsibility and accountability
4. Learn to treat others, including mentors, coaches, and officials, with respect
5. Interact with diverse cultures
6. Develop a healthy life style that includes exercise
7. Learn respect for the environment

Each year YES serves over 2,500 youth in these core programs:

Operation Snowsports-YES partners with a number of ski slopes throughout New England including Butternut, Pat's Peak, Killington, Pico, Loon, Jiminy Peak, Sunapee, Sugarloaf, and Black Mountain, to offer skiing and snowboarding trips. The ski areas and other retailers donate hundreds of thousands of dollars in lift tickets, lessons, and equipment each year.

Outdoor Adventure Program- One-day bike and hike tours take urban youth to state parks in and around Boston. Overnight camping trips take place at the YES Swann Lodge in western Massachusetts. Swann Lodge is donated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Job Training Program-Youth attend weekly sessions during the school year and are matched with adult mentors in the corporate world to develop workplace competencies and acquire job skills. YES provides a career pathway for urban young adults to enter the snowsports and outdoor recreation industries.

Explorer (E) Team-YES integrates environmental education into its outdoor programs to raise awareness and develop stewardship. Explorer teams venture to outdoor sites in Boston, Vermont, the Berkshires and Cape Cod, learning about ecosystems, understanding how they personally relate to the environment, and developing a positive connection with the natural world.