What is the best way to prepare and motivate those middle school students who are not ready to face the challenges of high school or those high school students who are not sure of themselves or those students who enroll in college underprepared or with “undecided” majors?

Of what importance are the contents of the students’ B.A.C.K.P.A.C.K: Background, Ability, Culture, Knowledge, Personality, Attitude, Communication pattern, and Keep (interests and personal appearance) to the students’ academic and career success?

Academics are just part of the story for many students entering college – a whole new culture of learning awaits them. But if they are not determined to stand out, those cultural challenges can derail a promising postsecondary career.

The purpose of YAES is to answer these questions and more, and to provide students the empowerment, the motivation, the skill, and the drive to succeed in their chosen areas of endeavors. By creating a critical consciousness and an academic identity, the participants will, among other things, learn how to identify their unique talents and career track, prepare themselves for career and leadership, and position themselves for success.