East Liberty nonprofit Youth Enrichment Services Named 2019 Champion in Action
“Trib Total Media recognizes the power of the mentorship provided to young people in the Pittsburgh region by Youth Enrichment Services.”
— Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media President and CEO
By Courier Editor, March 4, 2019
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit providing socially and economically at-risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education and enrichment programs, has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Youth Leadership. The award, announced jointly by Citizens Bank, WPXI-TV, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work, according to a release.
Youth Enrichment Services (YES) provides empowerment, experiential opportunities, academic enrichment and summer employment as positive pathways to future success. YES partners with local organizations to create synergy and generates transformative stories, national accolades and positive research outcomes.
DENISE L. JONES (she, her, hers)
Deputy Director
Denise Jones graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Black Studies from Allegheny College. After her undergraduate experience, she taught middle school social studies, math, AVID, and English as a member of Teach for America for several years. The joys and limitations of her classroom experience fueled her to pursue a master’s degree in Education Policy and Social Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University. As a former YES student and intern, Denise became increasingly interested in understanding what attracted youth to YES’ out-of-school time experiences and what sustained their engagement. Upon graduation, this work led her back to YES to anecdotally “find out.” As YES’ Program Director, Denise and her colleagues developed YES’ motivational model which she continues to examine and build as part of her PhD studies at the University of Michigan. Alongside her current studies, Denise serves as YES’ Deputy Director where she continues to support the organization’s programmatic, operational, and strategic efforts and shepherds its mission and legacy.