Youth Programs

The Y.E.S. Academy helps youth explore new interests, build skills, and experience college life in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Our program nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence — helping students imagine who they can become.

Guided by our theme Discovery to Opportunity, Y.E.S. bridges education, career exploration awareness, and personal growth. Our approach reflects Southwestern College’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and lifelong learning.

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The Y.E.S. Academy is offered during the summer months only. Each year, we refresh our class offerings to reflect youth interests, instructor expertise, enrollment trends, and hands-on learning opportunities.

While we aim to bring back many of our most popular classes, course availability may change from year to year based on:

• Instructor availability
• Strong enrollment and community interest
• Program fit and scheduling capacity

Classes that are consistently well-attended — such as pottery or filmmaking — are reviewed when planning future offerings. New, innovative classes may also be added to reflect emerging youth interests.

The finalized list of Summer 2026 classes will be available in the Y.E.S. Academy Brochure, typically released in March ahead of summer enrollment.

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Summer 2026 Sessions

• Session I: June 15–26, 2026
• Session II: June 29–July 10, 2026

Registration Opens: April 20, 2026
Scholarship Applications Open: January 15, 2026
Family Open House: May 15, 2026

Announcements

• Instructor and volunteer applications are accepted year-round.
• The Y.E.S. Academy Brochure will be posted in March with all class listings.
• Registration and scholarship links will be provided once available.

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Students can explore engaging, age-appropriate classes in areas such as:

• Art & Creative Expression
• Science & Hands-On Exploration
• Design, Media & Visual Storytelling
• Music, Movement & Performance
• Early College & Career Exploration Awareness
• Programs serve students entering grades K–10 and offer both morning and afternoon options.
• Families may choose one or both sessions.

Optional Midday Program – “Writer’s Café”

For students enrolled in both morning and afternoon classes, the Writer’s Café provides a supervised lunch and break period for $40 per session.

Students must bring their own lunch and snacks, as the Y.E.S. Academy does not provide food to general participants.

Some students on campus may receive meals through a separate, grant-funded or district-sponsored youth program. When these programs are active, the Y.E.S. Academy assists with meal service only for those students, as required by the partnering program. These meals are not part of the general Y.E.S. Academy summer program.

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Inspire the Next Generation of Learners

The Y.E.S. Academy welcomes enthusiastic instructors to lead hands-on, project-based classes for youth in grades K–10.

Summer 2026 Sessions:

• Session I: June 15–26
• Session II: June 29–July 10

Instructors should be able to:

• engage diverse youth learners
• design interactive, project-based lessons
• build Week 1 foundations and Week 2 applications

Hourly Rate: $50.00
Submit your class proposal using the Y.E.S. Academy Instructor Proposal Form (online form).

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Become a Youth Engagement & Transition Leader

We welcome high school students entering grades 11–12 to support the Y.E.S. Academy as volunteers and peer role models.

Volunteers help create a welcoming, organized environment by supporting transitions, assisting with activities, and modeling positive engagement.

• Daily Commitment: 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Community-service hours documented upon completion

Use the Y.E.S. Academy Volunteer Application Form (online form) to submit your interest.

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Scholarship Applications Open January 15, 2026

The Y.E.S. Academy offers a limited number of need-based scholarships to increase access for families who may benefit from financial assistance.

Scholarship applications are completed online and do not require a teacher signature or recommendation.
Families answer a few brief questions about financial need and student interest.

Award notifications are sent prior to registration opening on April 20, 2026.

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• Class changes: One change per session may be requested, based on availability.
• Class cancellations: Classes require a minimum enrollment of 11 students. Families may select an alternate class or request a refund.
• Refunds: Issued for withdrawals before the program start date or if a class is canceled by the program.

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All check-in and dismissal take place at the Student Union, which serves as the central hub for the Y.E.S. Academy during the summer.

• Students are signed in and out daily.
• Staff and volunteers escort students to and from classes.
• If the Student Union appears temporarily unattended, staff are assisting with classroom transitions and return promptly.

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Families are responsible for providing transportation to and from the Y.E.S. Academy.

The program does not offer bus or shuttle services. Our check-in and dismissal procedures provide a safe and organized arrival and departure for all students.

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If arriving late, please check in at the Student Union so your student can be signed in and safely escorted to class.

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If your student needs to leave early, please notify staff during morning check-in or email SWCYESAcademy@swccd.edu ahead of time.

Staff will verify your student’s early release and escort them from class.

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Students must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian unless written authorization is provided for independent arrival or dismissal.

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Families are responsible for providing lunch and snacks for their child each day, as the Y.E.S. Academy does not provide meals to general participants.

Some students may receive meals through a separate, grant-funded or district-sponsored youth program. When these programs are active, the Y.E.S. Academy assists with meal service only for those students, as required by the partnering program. These meals are not part of the general Y.E.S. Academy summer program.

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If your student loses or misplaces an item during the Y.E.S. Academy, please contact Y.E.S. staff at SWCYESAcademy@swccd.edu. Staff will follow up with instructors and volunteers to help locate the item.

Y.E.S. does not operate a formal Lost & Found location; items are handled directly through program staff.

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To support safety, visibility, and smooth transitions throughout the program, every Y.E.S. Academy participants wear a color-coded bracelet at check-in.

• Blue = Y.E.S. Students
• Orange = Y.E.S. Students
• Black = Y.E.S. Staff & Volunteers

All student bracelets include the program phrase “Y.E.S. – Discovery to Opportunity.”

Staff and volunteers wear black bracelets with the program logo to ensure easy identification during transitions and throughout the day.

Bracelets help our team maintain safety, support organized movement between classrooms, and ensure students are easily identifiable at all times.

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