From Running Tracks to Future Leaders: How Youth Enrichment Services is Transforming Boston's Kids
In a city where opportunities can be scarce, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is providing hundreds of Boston's youth with a transformative experience – the chance to explore the world of competitive running. This program, which has evolved from its roots as a ski program in 1968, now offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including backpacking, canoeing, and track and field, catering to low- to moderate-income children and teens from the city's neighborhoods.
Unlocking the Potential of Boston's Youth, One Stride at a Time
Fostering a Passion for Track and Field
The YES track program has expanded its reach, offering young athletes the chance to hone their skills at two convenient locations – Moakley Park's Saunders Stadium in South Boston and English High in Jamaica Plain. Teens and kids in grades 1 through 8 come together twice a week to practice the fundamentals of track and field events, while also competing in races and other competitions. Under the guidance of dedicated volunteer coaches, these young athletes are not only developing their physical skills, but also building meaningful relationships and a sense of community.
Cultivating Future Leaders
The impact of the YES program extends far beyond the track. As athletes return year after year, the coaches witness their growth, both as athletes and as contributing members of the community. Many former participants have gone on to pursue higher education and continue their running careers, with some even returning to the program as working role models for the next generation. This cyclical nature of the program not only inspires the current athletes but also demonstrates the lasting impact of the mentorship and support provided by the YES team.
A Safe Haven for Self-Discovery
At the heart of the YES program is the belief that Boston's youth deserve a safe and nurturing environment to explore their interests and discover their full potential. The program's "YESpectations" – a set of values that include the golden rule, protecting one another, and respecting leaders – provide a framework for the athletes to thrive. Whether they excel at distance running, sprinting, or field events, the athletes are encouraged to take on challenges, embrace failures, and emerge stronger. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also teaches the valuable life skills that will serve them well beyond the track.
Bridging Divides, Building Connections
The diversity within the YES community is a testament to the program's ability to bring together young people from various backgrounds. Despite their differences, the athletes find common ground in their shared love of track and field. This melting pot of experiences and perspectives not only enriches the learning environment but also challenges the adults to see beyond the polarization that often plagues society. By focusing on their similarities and celebrating their differences, the YES community serves as a model for how to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Coaches
The YES program's impact extends beyond the athletes themselves, as it also nurtures the next generation of coaches. Many former participants, like the 15-year-old assistant coach Khalid, have returned to the program, eager to share their experiences and mentor the younger athletes. This reciprocal relationship between coaches and athletes not only strengthens the program's foundation but also ensures that the lessons and values instilled in the athletes are passed down to future generations.In the words of volunteer coach and YES parent Kai Harrison, "Coaches here are mentors, and they can get to our kids like parents cannot. The children see them as older friends, so they open up more and become more comfortable with themselves." This unique bond between coaches and athletes is the driving force behind the YES program's ability to transform the lives of Boston's youth.As the city's young foundations and future leaders, the athletes of Youth Enrichment Services are poised to make a lasting impact on their community. With each stride, they are not only honing their physical skills but also cultivating the confidence, resilience, and compassion that will shape the next generation of Boston's trailblazers.
