Check out the YESS Institute Blogs

The 5 Core Competencies of SEL: Fostering Self-Awareness to Empower Youth  

Today, we're embarking on a journey to explore the heart of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through the lens of its five core competencies. At the YESS Institute, we're committed to nurturing these competencies to empower youth and set them on a path to success. Let's delve into what these core competencies are, why they are essential in the lives...
Read More

SEL in Action: How YESS Institute’s Programs Empower At-Risk Youth 

Today, we're delving into the impactful world of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how YESS Institute's programs are making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth. At-risk youth face unique challenges that can hinder their growth and potential. Through evidence-based interventions and targeted programs, YESS Institute is working to empower these young individuals and equip them with the...
Read More

Dispelling Myths About Social Emotional Learning: Debunking Misconceptions 

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions around Social Emotional Learning (SEL). So let's tackle them head-on and address some common misconceptions that surround it. At YESS Institute, our more than 20 years of experience in the field of SEL have given us the experience, knowledge, data, and expertise to provide informed and accurate information about the benefits of...
Read More

The Power of Social Emotional Learning: Transforming Lives and Communities

What is the influence of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) on individuals and communities? Let’s explore this together! At the core of YESS Institute's mission lies the belief that nurturing social and emotional intelligence creates a positive domino effect that enriches lives and strengthens communities. Let's explore the powerful potential of SEL in making a substantial difference.  1. Empowering Lives...
Read More

Building Resilient Futures: How SEL Prepares Youth for Success in School and Beyond  

Today, we're diving into the world of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and exploring why it is worth investing in for our children's future. To start, it's important to know what SEL actually is. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is like the secret ingredient in education that helps kids with more than just regular school "stuff". It's all about teaching...
Read More

Empowering Youth through Healthy Relationship Education: YESS Institute and Project PAVE Collaborate for Positive Change

Introduction:  At the YESS Institute, our mission is to empower youth in middle and high schools by providing comprehensive support, resources, and social-emotional learning opportunities. Recognizing the critical importance of healthy relationships in fostering well-being, we are proud to partner with Project PAVE, a remarkable nonprofit based in Denver, Colorado. Project PAVE is dedicated to empowering youth through their expertise...
Read More

The ROI of Investing in Youth Development: Why Your Corporate Donations Matter 

Investing in youth emotional intelligence is a critical aspect of corporate social responsibility, and there are many avenues to support the development of the soft skills needed to excel in college and a career.   So, how can your company help?   The YESS Institute is a non-profit organization that helps young people develop leadership skills and social-emotional intelligence to prepare them...
Read More

Gun Violence & Social-Emotional Learning

Gun violence at Club Q in Colorado Springs Our hearts go out to the victims and families of those killed and injured during the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday. This shooting follows in the wake of several other high-profile mass shootings in the U.S. this year, and brings the country's mass shooting total to 601...
Read More

20 Years of YESS

20 Years of YESS Accomplishments Established in 2001, YESS Institute has now been serving numerous communities around the Denver metro area for over two decades! In honor of this milestone, we have created a 20 Years of YESS Anniversary Report to showcase our accomplishments, growth, impacts, and future goals. Check out YESS Institute's development over the last 20 years, including...
Read More

2021 YESS Hero Challenge Scholarship Recipients

Celebrating our Student Heroes This month, the YESS Institute awarded $1,000 cash prizes to three Denver-area students for their volunteer efforts, making them the first-ever recipients of the YESS Hero Challenge Scholarship. The YESS Hero Challenge recognizes local students who have taken steps to create positive change in their community, supporting the YESS vision that students become caring and productive...
Read More

YESS Founder Honored as a Titan CEO

Carlo Kriekels is not afraid to say, “yess.” Kriekels, co-founder and executive director of YESS Institute (YESS), was born and raised in Flanders, Belgium where his ambition to pursue knowledge was nurtured by his family. “When you stop learning, you stop living,” Kriekels said. “That is what I learned at a very young age.” In 1992, Carlo Kriekels jumped on...
Read More

YESS Program Featured on CBS

“Game show” campaign educates teens on marijuana risks This article was originally published on CBS News. Denver, Colorado, brought in nearly $45 million in taxes from pot sales. More than $3.6 million of that will go to a new marijuana awareness program for teenagers. Barry Petersen shows us how this new campaign differs from the "just say no" message of...
Read More

YESS Institute Featured in Denver Post

YESS Institute uses power of peer mentorship to improve school connectedness, social-emotional skills This article was originally published in the Denver Post. DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 1: Mary Getachew, 15, right, laughs with her mentor Sabrin Mohamed,18, left, as the two take part in YESS Institute class at North High School on November 1, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. YESS Institute's...
Read More

New Program Connects Police with Youth

Kids & Cops Program Introduced This article was originally published on Fox News 31. YESS Co-Founder and Executive Director talks to Fox News 31 about the Kids & Cops Program DENVER (KDVR) – The Denver Police Department has a new partner in building relationships with the community, and they say it is more important now than ever before. Months before...
Read More

Blog Post

Intro heading 2 title Large intro copy can span here In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Etiam mattis ante at ante porttitor fermentum. Nullam ac vehicula neque. Sed dolor sapien, efficitur cursus eros vitae, varius commodo enim. This is a caption for an image In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Etiam mattis ante at ante porttitor fermentum. Nullam ac vehicula neque. Another...
Read More

YESS Hero 20th Anniversary Challenge

Celebrating our Student Heroes Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and most of them don’t wear capes! The YESS Hero Challenge is a contest for Denver-area students in grades K-12 who have performed “heroic” deeds within their communities. Deeds can be anything that helps someone or something—whether that’s removing trash from the playground, writing letters to the elderly, or...
Read More

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
Read More

Compulsive Casino Retains A Trek Of Destruction

HTML5 slots are making a huge impact on the slots industry. If you sense like spinning the reels on your cell phone gambling establishment app to win true cash, then there is zero lack of choices here. Trump: The Activity - Produced inside of alliance with Milton Bradley, the activity distributed only 800,000 duplicates and has been discontinued inside 1990....
Read More
{"dots":"true","arrows":"true","autoplay":"true","autoplay_interval":3000,"speed":600,"loop":"true","design":"design-1"}

Stay informed with YESS Institute

Sign Up for Newsletter