FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jewelyn Cosgrove | [email protected] | 301-856-9700

Upper Marlboro, Md. – Melwood Community Services today announced that its Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program has received $235,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending, secured through the leadership of U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-4). 

The funding recognizes the YES Program’s proven success as a nationally distinctive, hands-on after-school model that closes opportunity gaps for students facing social, economic, and disability-related barriers. Since its 2024 launch at Apple Grove Elementary School in Fort Washington, the program has served 87 first- through fifth-graders with free, inclusive enrichment that blends academic support, career exploration, life skills, and emotional regulation. Many of those students have enrolled in the program multiple years because of how valuable they and their families have found the program. 

Students engage in immersive, real-world experiences—including drone-building with tech professionals, mock trials, school gardens that feed the community, business-plan development, and visits from local leaders—designed to spark curiosity and connect childhood interests to future careers. The program is fully inclusive of students with IEPs, 504 plans, and undiagnosed disabilities, creating a strengths-based environment where every child thrives. 

“Melwood’s after-school program provides kids the opportunity to learn real-world skills in a hands-on environment, setting them up for success later in life. We fought to deliver these federal funds to support the YES Program to ensure they can continue helping children in Prince George’s County grow and thrive,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

“Every child in Maryland deserves the chance to live beyond their wildest dreams and discover their true potential. I am so grateful the YES Program provides exactly that: a place where students in Prince George’s County can explore, grow, and see what’s possible for their futures. The federal funding I was proud to help secure alongside Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Ivey will help expand these critical opportunities for our young people,” said Senator Alsobrooks.   

“Programs like YES give students the tools and confidence they need to succeed, no matter what challenges they face,” Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-4) said. “Melwood Community Services is doing extraordinary work in our district, and I’m grateful for their commitment to opening doors and creating opportunities for our young people.” 

“YES changes lives by allowing children to explore interests and hobbies they might not otherwise have access to, while demonstrating how an interest in childhood can lead to a career later in life. The program has already delivered measurable growth in self-esteem, emotional regulation, and career readiness. One student used the emotional-regulation skills learned in the program to calmly call 911 during a family medical emergency—literally saving a life. With this support, we can deepen our impact and explore opportunities to bring this proven model to more schools and more students across our region. We invite educators and leaders across Maryland and the region to contact us to explore hosting YES. We’re grateful to Sens. Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for believing in our mission and fighting for our young people,” said Larysa Kautz, president and CEO of Melwood. 

The YES Program is offered at no cost to families and is strengthened by partnerships with the Minority Tech Foundation, Prince George’s County Police Department, and local professionals.

About Melwood Community Services
Melwood Community Services offers innovative programming that empowers children, youth, and adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities. Melwood Community Services focuses on developing bold new ideas and activities designed to foster community integration and personal growth and fulfillment for people with disabilities. With a focus on overcoming barriers and expanding opportunities, Melwood Community Services’ programs and services are designed to support people to live fully in their communities, enjoying recreational activities, exploring and retaining career choices, and providing respite for caregivers. 

For more information or to partner on the YES Program, visit melwood.org/yes or contact Jewelyn Cosgrove at [email protected].