HYEP Inc.

HYEP is hands on interaction exposing and challenging youth and young adults with life skills that are needed to be a productive member of society.

HYEP is also pro-social, benefiting people and/or communities. Researchers have found that getting youth involved in pro-social activities, such as volunteering on a community project, or doing a group activity with other youth, reduces the likelihood that they will engage in problematic activities and behaviors.

HYEP is an approach. A positive youth development approach can be implemented across different types of programs, systems, and settings. HYEP can take on different forms and can co-exist with varied programs – an apprenticeship programs, enrichment programs, and youth employment programs.

HYEP engages youth and inspire input in all activities, we do not “lecture” or “talk at” but instead seeks to engage youth to learn, and express themselves respectfully by encouraging them to participate on committees and project that they themselves are interested and invested in. This goes beyond just doing things and includes being emotionally involved and cognitively involved – caring and thinking – about what the program has to offer.

HYEP recognizes youth and young adults as people with promise (not just problems). The working assumption is that all youth and young adults have strengths, and that youth can contribute positively. HYEP draws on the strengths that youth offer, in ways that are a good use of time, meaningful projects or work, that enhance youths’ strengths. For example, an older participant might mentor a new participant, and both participants would benefit from this interaction.