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Project YES (Youth Envisioning Social change) began in Boston in 1991 as a pilot program through Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Led by graduate students Beth Krensky and Carol MacNeil, the program supported youth in using the arts as a vehicle to make their voices heard about important social issues in their lives. When the pilot ended, it was the youth who served as the driving force in developing the project into an organization. In 1994, Project YES relocated to Colorado, became incorporated in 1995, and earned its 501(c)(3) status in 1997.
For almost ten years, Project YES existed as a volunteer-run organization, leading after-school arts and service workshops in various schools and communities. Following two years of workshop programming in Lafayette, Colorado, in which hundreds of students were impacted by Project YES’ internationally recognized model, Project YES found a need in the community for free after-school and summer programming. In response, Project YES opened the Youth Center in 2000, serving nearly 1,000 youth since its inception. To further its services, Project YES initiated the Lafayette Service-Learning Partnership in 2001 with support from the Colorado Department of Education, and in 2003 reintroduced its arts for social change workshop through the Art in the Community program.
The History of Project YES
1990
Carole MacNeil & Beth Krensky pilot Project YES at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.
1993
Boys & Girls Club of Boston invites Project YES to run youth program.
1995
Project YES relocates to Colorado.
1997
Project YES receives its 501(c)(3) status.
Westminter students create multi-media poster campaign on recycling.
1998
Project YES youth, in collaboration with the Lafayette Public Library, Angevine Middle School, and the Lafayette Gardens community, research, design, and create “Peace Park,” a public art and playground space.
1999
Project YES youth create “Bus Art,” two posters on handgun violence for display on local RTD buses.
2000
Project YES opens an after-school, drop-in center in Lafayette.
2001
Project YES youth design four free-standing murals on social issues, including one in response to the September 11 terrorists attacks.
Project YES receives a grant from the Colorado Department of Education to initiate the Lafayette Service-Learning Partnership.
2002
Project YES is recognized with the NOVA Education Award.
2003
Project YES organizes SeLebration, Lafayette’s first community-wide, service-learning day.
Project YES youth create eight 6’ x 6’ banners for Community Food Share’s food bank in a collaborative service-learning project.
Art in the Community students celebrate diversity through the creation of 63’ x 7’ free-standing mural at Centaurus High School.
Project YES wins Community Technology Center of the Year Award from the Jared Polis Foundation.
The Lafayette Service-Learning Partnership and Naropa University collaborate on statewide civic education and service-learning initiative.
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