The Mission
Project YES is a mission-focused program that cultivates collaborations with educational institutions, non-governmental and community-based organizations, and other groups and organizations with expertise in early childhood education, youth development, and related fields to support the family programs, workforce development, and youth development expansion needs of the Department of Defense (DoD).
Project YES is supported by a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the DoD Military-Civilian Transition Office (MCTO), Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP). This unique internship was specifically designed to increase and strengthen support structures leading to enhanced community capacity, increased professional and workplace development opportunities, and to expand military-related youth development support programs.
Project YES is supported by a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the DoD Military-Civilian Transition Office (MCTO), Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP). This unique internship was specifically designed to increase and strengthen support structures leading to enhanced community capacity, increased professional and workplace development opportunities, and to expand military-related youth development support programs.
The Internship
Project YES was created in the fall of 2010 with the first intern cohort starting in January of 2011. The program has grown steadily each year in order to meet the ever-increasing need for youth development program support. A unique feature of the program allows interns to continue their education at their individual universities while participating in the program.
Project YES combines the needs of military-connected youth impacted by deployments with college interns looking to deepen their knowledge and gain real-world work experience working with youth and teens. During their 1-year service period, participating interns augment Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Programs by facilitating experiential-based youth development programs emphasizing leadership development, resilience/life skills, and STEM concepts. Additionally, under the guidance of an individually assigned mentor, interns complete a career-broadening project designed to help define future career options or, if already known, to help refine and deepen the experience levels. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the school-to-work transition through enhanced knowledge, experience, and professional networks.
Project YES combines the needs of military-connected youth impacted by deployments with college interns looking to deepen their knowledge and gain real-world work experience working with youth and teens. During their 1-year service period, participating interns augment Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Programs by facilitating experiential-based youth development programs emphasizing leadership development, resilience/life skills, and STEM concepts. Additionally, under the guidance of an individually assigned mentor, interns complete a career-broadening project designed to help define future career options or, if already known, to help refine and deepen the experience levels. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the school-to-work transition through enhanced knowledge, experience, and professional networks.
