The YESS program model is grounded in collaboration between PEI, school districts, skill centers, and local community partners. YESS high school participants earn school credit and a stipend while building their job skills and exploring careers in natural resources or education. Over their program, students’ classroom time is paired with hands-on service activities at community partner sites.
Upon course completion, teachers provide each student with a signed “document of competency” that rates their proficiency in a variety of entry-level industry-related skills. These documents of competency were designed by PEI with guidance from industry leaders and research on natural resource or education workforce development trends. Students can use this document to craft their resumes and better articulate their skills when applying for jobs.
Students earn:
- High school credit
- Participation stipend
- Signed document of competency
- Hands-on skills, work, and learning experience
- Credit at postsecondary institutions (when articulated)
YESS program topics available
- Forest Management
- Restoration Ecology
- Education through Outdoor Learning
- Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Urban and Community Forestry
Contact [email protected]to launch a YESS program.