La Vida Y.E.S.

Partnership Overview:

La Vida, Youth Enrichment Services (YES), sponsored by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, is an after school homework help and mentoring program that serves the Latino youth of the city of Lynn from junior high to tenth grade. Gordon College volunteers partnered with La Vida YES to work with the students one-on-one to develop their school skills and English-language proficiency. La Vida YES students also visited Gordon’s campus. The students took part in campus tours and activities with the Gordon La Vida staff and were able to see campus life through the eyes of current La Vida YES volunteers who led their groups. This experience was eye-opening for the students, many of whom had not before considered college an option.

Areas of college access it addresses:

            Academic Readiness—Gordon students help tutor La Vida YES participants in a range of subjects including math, computer skills, reading, and art.

College Information Awareness—By coming to Gordon’s campus, students get a chance to immerse themselves in various aspects of college life.

Social Readiness— The interaction of Lynn students with Gordon students gives the youth a unique opportunity to spend one-on-one time with college students. In the course of their conversations, La Vida YES participants are able to hear about the college experience, as well as ask any questions they may have about college preparation or life.