Young Eisner Scholars
Young Eisner Scholars (YES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with over two decades of educational development work in underserved communities. YES aims to provide long-term holistic support services that meet students’ academic and socio-emotional needs at every milestone along their journey, beginning in middle school and continuing through career placement.
Mission
YES-Appalachia identifies high-achieving students from underserved communities in the counties of Ashe and Watauga in Western North Carolina. Scholars are equipped with the resources, support, and academic skills required for success through high school, college, and career.
Support Services
Middle School
- YES summer programming
- Weekly lessions in schools
- Individualized advising on outside programming
- Socio-emotional support
High School
- Weekly college prep advising in schools
- Individualized advising on outside programming
- Socio-emotional support
- Test prep
- Financial aid help
College
- Scheduled in-person and virtual check-ins with advisor
- Socio-emotional support
- Financial aid help
Objectives
- Increase educational access and opportunities for promising, young leaders from rural Appalachian communities
- Empower historically underrepresented students to embrace educational opportunities, new ways of thinking, and self-advocacy in order to make college success an attainable goal
- 100% matriculation and graduation from institutions of higher education for all YES-App Scholars
Who does YES-Appalachia serve?
Eligibility criteria:
- Attend a Title 1 school in Ashe or Watauga County
- Enrolled in 6th grade at the time of recruitment
- Academically curious (grades are A’s & B’s)
- Highly motivated to continue education after high school
- Willing to go outside one’s comfort zone to explore new opportunities
- Families are financially eligible to apply for free or reduced lunch financial need
Scholar Recruitment
YES-App currently serves 94 scholars from Ashe and Watauga counties in Western North Carolina. Scholars are identified and selected from the following 7 Title I public schools in the Appalachian region of North Carolina:
- Bethel School
- Cove Creek School
- Green Valley School
- Mabel School
- Blue Ridge Elementary School
- Mountain View Elementary School
- Westwood Elementary School
YES-Appalachia works with teachers and administrators to distribute information about the program and how to apply. YES-App staff carries out comprehensive evaluations of all applicants. Essential components of the YES-App application include:
- Grades
- Assessment questionnaires for nominated students and their parents/guardians
- Annual household income documentation
- Teacher and personal recommendations
All nominated students are interviewed in their schools by YES-App staff in order to gather a holistic profile of each student. Additionally, we interview applicants and at least one parent or guardian. YES scholars are ultimately selected based upon their academic agility, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and emotional maturity.
Apply to YES-Appalachia (English Application)
Apply to YES-Appalachia (Spanish Application)
Applications have closed. Please check back again next year.
Recruitment Steps
- YES-Appalachia works with teachers and administrators to distribute information to all 6th graders about the program and how to apply.
- Interested 6th graders and their families attend an information session.
- Motivated 6th graders and families fill out an application that includes inputting grades, test scores, teacher and personal recommendations.
- YES-Appalachia interviews students in groups at their schools.
- YES-Appalachia interviews families.
- YES-Appalachia makes final decisions and notifies families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost for families to participate?
YES participation is free for families. Outside camps and programs that we recommend may not be free, but we help families apply for financial aid and close the financial gap for families when appropriate.
What does it look like for students and families to step outside of their comfort zones?
We believe that taking calculated risks is necessary for personal growth and insight. We want to create safe spaces for scholars and families, while also presenting opportunities that might cause discomfort. This could be as little as talking to a teacher about a grade or as big as attending a boarding school outside of NC. We ask that both students and families are willing to pursue opportunities to set up students to reach their future goals. We recognize that it can be just as hard for families to adjust to their scholars being uncomfortable, and we ultimately respect each family’s decision. We find that students and families who take advantage of the opportunities presented are the most successful in receiving college scholarships and succeeding in large transitions.
Does the YES program offer scholarships?
No, we are not a scholarship program. We work with scholars who are academically eligible for outside scholarships. Additionally, we provide individual guidance to families when filling out scholarship and/or financial aid applications.
What does the time commitment to the YES program look like?
Middle school scholars are required to attend the 1-week YES summer camp and actively participate in a lesson and/or afterschool session at least once a month. There is more freedom as the scholar moves onto high school and college. Our ask is that the scholar communicates regularly with us so that they may remain labeled as an active scholar.
Can I start the program in high school instead of middle school?
No. We believe that starting the YES program in middle school is necessary in order to understand the YES values and methodology. YES middle school programming supports the scholar the most academically, cultivates them to be a curious thinker, and holistically prepares them for high school. We also hope to build a strong middle school community that carries on to high school and we believe that each selected middle school scholar is an essential part of that.
What if we weren't selected?
When YES-Appalachia makes final decisions, we send an email and letter home notifying you. This information includes a list of personalized programs and opportunities to consider as an alternative to the YES program.
Partners
- Appalachian State University
- Ashe County High, Ashe County Schools
- Ashe Early College High School, Ashe County Schools
- myFutureNC
- National Student Clearinghouse
- NC Department of Public Instruction
- Watauga High, Watauga County Schools
- Young Eisner Scholars (YES)
Questions?
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