YES Foundation begins recruitment

August 8, 2017

GREAT BAY – The Youth Empowered for Success Foundation finalized its articles of incorporation in June. The Y.E.S. Foundation was founded by its President Dr. Natasha Gittens. The board furthermore consists of Migdala Clarinda- Vice president, Shirley Gregoria – Treasurer, Marouschka van Axel Dongen – Secretary, Marisha Olivacce-Carty Educational Representative.
“The aim of the YES Program is to positively impact St. Maarten’s future by inspiring youngsters to become St. Maarten’s next generation of young professionals, who understand the value of education and good character,” Vice President Migdala stated in a recent board meeting:
The Y.E.S. Foundation will begin accepting application from August 10 until September 15. The program will offer ten students the opportunity to receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to become an integral part of an elite academy of future St. Maarten leaders referred to as cadets.
Treasurer Shirley Gregoria says to applicants and parents that, “Knowledge is power and Education is key. Y.E.S. is empowering our youth to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams in a structured and educative environment that will guide them to become successful leaders.”
Five young men and five young women will be selected by a Y.E.S. committee comprised of board members, community members, teachers, business people and school counselors to ensure selected applicants meet the program acceptance requirements. The academy cadets will be required to attend 12 mandatory half day courses for one year and participate in fundraising and extracurricular activities with the option to recommit to the program at the end of Year 1.
Secretary Van Axel Dongen stated: “When leaders become successful they usually wish they learned and shaped their skills and talents sooner. The YES program will develop and change cadets lives.”
The courses will introduce students to topics that will develop their leadership, professional and social skills like, public speaking, the art of professionalism, the characteristics of successful people, finance, homeownership and investments and much more. Y.E.S. will recruit potential cadets from, St. Dominic High, St. Maarten Vocational Training School, Milton Peters College, Sundial School, St. Maarten Academy, MAC, Charlotte Brookson Academy, Learning Unlimited and CIA. School Counselors and Teachers will be asked to support recruitment and make student recommendations. Parents will also play an integral part in the program and will be required to attend three events per year including an orientation meeting.
Educational Representative Olivacce-Carty emphasized the following in a recent statement: “Within every dynamic society, there are essential learning tools that makes the difference between being good and achieving greatness. The Y.E.S program is delivering said tools to our youth, so that they are able to say yes to new possibilities, to overcoming challenges, and to simply being the greatest that you can be.”
For more information on the Y.E.S. Foundation please call: 526-2050. Email: Academyyes1@gmail.com, Web: yesprogram.net.