The Youth
Education Support Services, (YESS) program is funded by the United Way. This program is one of several
implemented at the Urban league.
The purpose of the Power-Up Computer Lab in 2002 initially was to bridge
the divide between students who did not have access to PCs and the internet and
the more affluent students who did have access. By addressing this divide in the community, a community
steeped in poverty, opportunities for the less affluent would enable them to
thrive and begin the invaluable process of lifelong learning.
The purpose of the YESS initiative is to provide the support and
structure that young persons require in our community. Many youth in our area are faced with
risk-filled circumstances and are challenged to lead a productive fulfilling
life both in and out of school. To
assist our youth in this mission, YESS provides a structured program including
leadership development, computer skills training, reading, writing and calculating. Of utmost importance to the Urban
League movement nationally and locally is the support of our youth, helping
them to grow and mature into students who excel and mature into productive
adults. We believe that our youth
equal our destiny.
Students make use of the ULLC Community Technology and
Learning Center in after-school programs.
They participate in a wide variety of exercises including, but not
limited to completing school and homework assignments, tutorials, learning
fundamental computer and Microsoft skills, research, and journaling. In a supervised environment, they learn
to surf the web and use search engines.
Adult support services are provided in the Community Technology and
Learning Center as well. These services are offered daily, during hours
exclusively for them. These
services include but are not limited to GED preparation, Computer skills
training, Resume support, job searching through aid of computer, and access to
internet for other purposes.
Finally, all
students (youth and adult) are provided with the support to gain the
skills/credentials to become self sustaining and lifelong contributing members
of their community.