The Answer - A blog about Education, Preparation, and Commitment.

YES Prep Unveils New Core Values at All-Staff Day

August 15, 2011 by Lindsey Windham

Last Friday, over 500 YES Prep staff members gathered at Houston’s Arena Theater to celebrate the successes of the past year, reflect on our work and our purpose, and kick off the school new school year with a celebration. This is a yearly tradition that always energizes me and reminds me of what we exist to do and why YES Prep is so special. 

A central piece of the program was the introduction of YES Prep’s new core values.  For several years we had five (longer and wordier) core values that communicated the things we believe, stand for, and value as an organization.  But, this summer, we shortened them down to the true core and re-wrote them to pack a punch, be memorable, and truly represent YES Prep’s priorities as an organization.  So... here they are! At YES Prep,

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YES Prep Alumna, Ruby Serrano, Welcomes New Teachers to YES Prep

July 12, 2011 by Tenesha Villanueva

YES Prep will welcome a strong force of new and veteran teachers this month.  This is the second of 3 letters from YES Prep alumni, welcoming new teachers into the YES Prep family:

 Welcome to YES Prep!

As a former YES Prep student, and now alumni, I would like to formally welcome you as well as congratulate you on becoming a part of one of the best families around!

First off, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Ruby Serrano, and I am a proud recent graduate of YES Prep Southwest! Being a part of the first graduating class was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I was very excited to complete my journey as well as a little bit sad to leave my Maverick family. Although I am no longer a YES Prep student, my YES family will always be a part of

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YES Prep Southeast Senior Earns Academic Honors from Union College

May 19, 2011 by Monique Calderon

When Marissa Martinez, soon to graduate from YES Prep Southeast, visited Union College in Schenectady, New York this past fall, she had a feeling that it was the college for her. Its small size, devotion to students and commitment to diversity were just some of the many attributes that made Union College such an attractive option. When she received her admit letter this past spring, she pretty much knew it was where she wanted to go. Recently, she received some exciting news that only solidified her desire to attend.

Marissa was recently selected to be a participant in Union College’s Academic Outreach Program (AOP). The purpose of this need-based program is to encourage and welcome geographic diversity. Out of 450 applicants, she was one of 15 students selected from across the

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Achieving Social Justice And Raising My Four Kids

May 13, 2011 by Hope Pacheco

When people find out I am a mother of four and work full time at YES Prep, the reaction I typically see is a widening of the eyes, a shaking of the head, a deep sigh and then a question---“How do you do it?”  The question seems to leave their lips with an exhausted breath.  It’s almost as if they can image my exhausting effort to find a work-life balance.

When the questions comes my way, I  sometimes think of sarcastic comebacks or try to preempt the question with some funny remark about working and raising four kids.  I try not to let it bother me but, each time the question comes up,  I spend time reflecting and asking myself, “How do I do it?”

How do I maintain balance? Is it the circle of support that surrounds my family? Is it asking for help when I need it? Is it giving

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YES Prep Southwest Senior Thanks Her Mom For the Support at Partnering For Change Town Hall

May 08, 2011 by Jeremy Jones

When I first came to YES Prep, I didn't want to go to college. I always asked my mom, "why do I have to go to college?" I didn't understand the benefits of a higher education. But YES changed everything. It changed the way I viewed college through introducing me to a plethora of colleges and universities.

YES Prep is more than Youth Engaged In Service. I have found that it is a community of teachers, students and parents who support each other to do whatever it takes to reach our goals and to give 110% everyday.

While at YES Prep, I quickly learned that nothing is easy. There is rigorous coursework and very long hours of homework every night, but with my determination and dedication, I will graduate from one of the top high schools in the nation this upcoming June. My teachers

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