Congratulations to our Scholarship Recipients
Class of 2025
About Izaiah
In ten years, I see myself as a corporate lawyer specializing in ethical business practices and international trade. I’ll be advising multinational corporations on regulatory compliance, ensuring fair labor practices, and shaping policies that promote economic equity. My work will take me across global markets, negotiating contracts and advocating for socially responsible business strategies. Success means having the influence to drive meaningful change—helping companies grow while maintaining integrity. Beyond my career, I’ll mentor first-generation students and support nonprofits, using my expertise to uplift others. My impact won’t just be measured in legal victories but in the communities I help to empower.
About Yuanlin
In ten years, I see myself as a mechanical engineering technician in the manufacturing industry who maintains and repairs different mechanical devices. I’ll work with engineers to create products that enhance people’s lives. This job will also provide financial stability, helping me achieve financial freedom and support my family. At 28, I expect new challenges, but I hope to handle them with resilience. I aim to continue loving myself, my family, and my life while pursuing my career and personal goals.
About Michaloni
The purpose of my college experience is to gain the education and life experience to be able to help others in my community with mental health struggles, health issues and Medical needs. Two current career options I have looked into is being a Dermatologist or Pediatrician. This Career path is my 10 year goal because I want to Nurture and Care for others while also doing what I love.
YESS Institute
Empowering Youth For 20 Years
The YESS Institute supports youth development through peer mentoring, inclusive community building, and expert curricula designed to promote social emotional learning and leadership.
In-School & Mentoring Programs
Substance Misuse Curricula
Workshops & Community Development
Our Story
The success of the YESS model is rooted in the agency’s founding philosophy that the people
and communities served need to be valued as experts of their own lived experiences.
Motorcycle trip through South America
Carlo Kriekels (Co-founder and CEO) travels 35,000 miles by motorbike from California to Chile inspiring him to commit to empowering youth.
YESS institute was born
Susan Greer and Carlo Kriekels cofound YESS Institute envisioning teaching emotional intelligence to youth and role models.
YESS becomes an integrated credited class.
YESS serves 150 students at North, West and Lincoln High Schools as it receives the Colorado state Tony Grampsas Youth Services grant to sustain its pilot
models.
Development of an online learning platform
YESS demonstrated innovation, adaptability and service by upgrading our social emotional and healthy lifestyles curricula to engaging online versions; and building a new website to facilitate online learning built upon our own Learning Management System
Support YESS today!
YESS Institute
In The News
YESS Institute has been featured in national media including CBS, Fox, and PBS.
