Breadcrumb
Organizational History
Youth Educational Services began in 1968 as response to students' desire for active roles in initiating social change. Up until that time social service agencies were utilizing students in ways that precluded students from taking management roles such as decision making, program development, evaluation and supervising.
The name Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.) emerged from Cal Poly Humboldt students who wanted to create a place on campus where the premise could be "Yes We Can". Students used that positive energy and developed Y.E.S. Presently, Y.E.S. students perform the above mentioned tasks and in addition are able and encouraged to: fundraise, manage program budgets, grant write, plan large-scale community events, recruit, select and screen volunteers. In our isolated rural setting agencies often lack the funds, staffing, and flexibility to "go out on a limb" to attempt a program that may fail: Y.E.S. students are able to take this risk. In the many years since their inception, successful community service programs and student accomplishments have proven that students can and do make a positive difference in our community. Y.E.S.' programs focus on community needs and are based in the community; they do not target student or campus issues.
Y.E.S.' infancy had two volunteer choices from which students could choose (including Y.E.S' oldest and current program Study Buddies, formerly Tutorial). Many programs are unique and innovative and continue under the operation of students at Y.E.S. Some current programs have been in operation for over forty-five years while other programs have a short stay of only one to two years.
Early programs of Y.E.S. [Photo by Kyana Taillon]
Over the years Y.E.S. has had over seventy community engagement programs that either "graduated" from Y.E.S. or disbanded due to the changing needs of the community or transitional leadership problems. Student initiated pilot programs frequently act as catalysts for stable, far-reaching and professionally staffed efforts. Some "graduated" or spin off programs include: The Humboldt Open Door Clinic; an educational curriculum adopted by Planned Parenthood; Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (C.C.A.T.); Campus Recycling Program (C.R.P.); Cal Poly Humboldt Legal Center; 4-H Trail (outdoor experiences for physically challenged youth); and the Cal Poly Humboldt Escort Service. Currently, Y.E.S. has 12-17 community service programs that focus on social issues and community challenges.
Red stars mark the current Y.E.S. programs
