Youth Empowerment Program

The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is a 5-year demonstration project funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health.  The program is designed to strengthen the developmental assets of Latino youth living in a west-side community of Salt Lake City. The 5 year program supports 40 youth to achieve their full potential by building resilience, leadership skills and a positive orientation to their academic and personal success. Fifty Latino seventh graders were recruited from a Middle School and followed to high school. The youth are now in 10th grade.  The goal of YEP is to support these youth in developing a healthy lifestyle which includes providing support to graduate from high school and enroll in post-secondary training. Development of positive life skills utilizing evidence based programs to teach the youth about decision making, problem solving, importance of health, nutrition and exercise, avoidance of drugs, alcohol and teen pregnancy is key to program success. Family support and other services are provided as well.