Youth Enrichment Services

Services & Programs

The Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program is an after-school enrichment program designed to bring hands-on learning, with a focus on career exploration, to children who have experienced hardships and barriers.

For more information, please contact us.

Why YES Program matters

Melwood’s YES Program presents a unique opportunity for young students from underserved communities to gain exposure to a variety of career tracks through hands-on, real-life learning experiences where they can discover their own interests and establish a foundation for work-readiness skills such as team building and collaboration. Importantly, YES is open to children with and without disabilities, and links hands-on learning with values building and fostering a sense of possibility.

By providing age-appropriate and engaging career exploration activities to students, Melwood Community Services seeks to spark curiosity in careers, encouraging students to understand that natural interest or hobbies could become pathways into stable careers. This program is supporting students to dream big on the path towards economic self-sufficiency and stable employment in their futures.

Students served in the 2023-2024 school year

Career pathways explored

Program cost to Melwood per student, per school year

*FY2024 Figures

Program outcomes

Through ongoing participation in the after-school enrichment program, YES students are equipped with knowledge and skills for diverse careers, greater self-esteem, and creative thinking.

Knowledge and Skills to Explore Career Paths

Students will have the opportunity to explore passions and discover skills that could become future career pathways.

Increased Self-Esteem

Students have access to a fully supportive, strengths-based learning environment that encourages self-esteem while fostering independence.

Creative Thinking

Through hands-on learning, students will learn creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Eligibility criteria 

Must be currently enrolled in first through fifth grades at Apple Grove Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland. The program hosts children with and without disabilities, including those with undiagnosed disabilities.

For more information, please contact us.

Residency requirements

Apple Grove Elementary School

Funding 

Free to Apple Grove Elementary School students

Referrals accepted?

Yes

Learn more about

Youth Enrichment Services

Terri and Aiden

YES Program participants

Participant spotlight

YES Program teaches courage and growth

Melwood’s YES Program at Apple Grove Elementary gave Aiden a boost in growth and maturity that helped him save a life.

Terri, Aiden’s mother who lives with epilepsy and experiences seizures, knew YES would be a good match for him after hearing about it. She never imagined how impactful the program would be on both of their lives.

YES brings hands-on learning, with a focus on career exploration, to children who have experienced hardships and barriers. The program encourages self-esteem while fostering independence, and exposes children to interests and hobbies in a wide range of areas.

After enrolling Aiden in the program, Terri saw changes in her son almost immediately. He was more open-minded and showed interest in new activities like cooking and painting. But for their family, the real changes came in Aiden’s personal growth and maturity. When Terri had a seizure and no other adults in the house were available to assist, Aiden jumped into action, calmly calling 9-1-1 and saving Terri’s life. Aiden was even recognized by the local fire department for his courageous actions.

“I feel like he has learned to be calm through real-life situations, and with the help of the YES Program, he has been learning how to regulate his emotions better,” Terri said. “He and I are both looking forward to what the YES Program offers next year.”

I feel like he has learned to be calm through real-life situations, and with the help of the YES Program, he has been learning how to regulate his emotions better.