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Our History

Youth Equipped to Succeed is a 501(c)(3) education nonprofit founded in 2002 by Dan Bailey, who currently serves as CEO. In 2019, the organization formally merged with Aim for Success, another dynamic nonprofit that provided powerful research-based wellness education programs since 1993. Together, we have impacted over 4.8 million students, parents, and educators in 43 states through our resourced experiences!

Our Mission: Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope.

Our Values

Bold Compassion

We care deeply even when it’s tough.

Responsive Innovation

We confront cultural challenges in real time.

Transformative Connection

We inspire life-changing relationships for lasting success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Youth Equipped to Succeed is made up of unique individuals from all walks of life, yet we come together to serve the mission of: Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope. We respect, value, and celebrate diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are empowered and heard. We believe this is what better connects us to the students, parents, and educators we serve from all cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion within our board of directors’ governance, staff members, community partners and volunteers, and strive to continue an ongoing conversation and reflection of our efforts.

Why Youth Equipped to Succeed

Students today are facing significant cultural pressures and a barrage of negative messages that generations before them never experienced. Years of increasing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other issues related to mental health among young people have only worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the permeation of social media. The U.S. Surgeon General has called for a coordinated and urgent action to address the current youth mental health crisis.

That’s why at YES we live by the philosophy of: A connected student is a protected student.® 

We exist to give all students across all socioeconomic groups the opportunity to say, “YES!” to their dreams and goals, and “no” to destructive choices. Our positive youth development programs drive catalytic change in the lives of K-12th grade students, and equip them with the knowledge attitudes, and skills they need to achieve more healthy and successful futures.

Our Programs

Motivational Experiences

(Large Assemblies): Our nationally recognized speakers provide powerful and purposeful messages by sharing their own stories of overcoming adversity.

Wellness Education

(Research-Based): Our professionally trained team of speakers deliver research-based content, putting students on a path toward healthy and successful futures.

Peer-to-Peer Mentoring

(Unique In-School Model): Providing positive peer connections and learning opportunities that are highly engaging and vital to students’ social and emotional development needs.

give

hope

Support Students

Over 4.8 million students, parents and educators have been impacted through our resourced experiences! Whether you make a one-time gift, or become a monthly donor, your contribution of any size will bring hope and connection to the students we serve, their parents and educators. Thank you for your support!