If there is one hard and fast rule in life, it is that without an education, it is extremely difficult to get a job and make a living. So, what happens to young people who run into obstacles in school and find themselves unable to finish high school? How do they come up with the resources to eventually get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED)? How can they afford job training? Quite frankly, without some help, the future for these young people is very, very bleak.

Fortunately, there is help, and it is the YES program administered through the Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc. YES stands for Youth Enrichment for Success, and is a 12-to-18 month youth employment and education program. The design of the program is to work towards acquiring a GED, gain employment skills and career experience, and if necessary, receive support and assistance to resolve any barriers that may interfere with achieving these goals.

An individual must be between 16-21 years of age, reside in Lycoming County, and be motivated to work towards education and employment goals. If selected for the program, a family navigator will be assigned, and Phase 1 will begin. This involves a needs assessment, a development of goals, and connection with services that would help with the barriers and goals. Stacy Bower and Miranda Redka are the family navigators for the YES program, and they provide that necessary guidance and support that many of these young people need to get headed in the right direction.

If the applicant successfully passes through Phase 1, they go on to Phase 2, where the focus is employment skills. This is where the participant will continue to complete their high school diploma or GED if needed, as well as begin to participate in gaining employment skills and career experience. One example was Janet (not her real name) who was an extremely shy, reserved young lady. She was set up as a job shadow with an organization that worked with small animals. Janet liked working with the animals, and it helped her get out of her shell. She was able to develop people skills and now works at a retail establishment.

Some will go into Phase 3, which is technical training. This is where the individual would participate in the technical training of their choice. It would also involve participation in transition-planning services. Alexis Kibler-Russitano (her real name) is a glowing example of dedication and hard work in the midst of adversity. Struggling through high school with a small child, she got involved in the YES program to work on completing high school while developing the parenting skills necessary to care for her newborn. With only a few months remaining of high school, a tragic fire destroyed the family’s house and belongings. With assistance from various community agencies, Alexis was able to get resettled and went back towards working toward her high school diploma. She was able to graduate in July 2017 from Williamsport Area High School and decided to pursue a career in nursing. She received a paid training through Williamsport Home and obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate. The YES program provided her with a watch, scrubs, and non-slip shoes she needed for her job. Today, Alexis continues to maintain employment and stable housing, successfully completing each of the requirements for the YES program.

YES provides a small financial stipend through the program and also assists in needed documents such as photo ID, birth certificate, driver’s education and permit, school supplies, special work clothing, etc. Since June of 2015, 93 youth have successfully participated in the YES program. For those interested in more information or possible participation, go to http://www.stepcorp.org, click on Community Collaboration Pathway, Youth Enrichment for Success (YES), complete the referral form and email to yesprogram@stepcorp.org. It could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.