For many children, the school day ends when the final bell rings. But for students in the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program at Apple Grove Elementary, the learning—and their sense of possibility—are just getting started.
Melwood Community Services’ YES Program offers something essential: a safe space where kids can try new skills, meet role models, and build confidence that lasts long after the school year ends. Designed for students who may face social or economic barriers, YES helps close opportunity gaps by blending life skills, academic support, and career exploration into every activity.
What sets YES apart is its focus on real-world learning and connection to the wider community. In Fort Washington’s Apple Grove Elementary—where many families balance work, caregiving, and tight resources—YES opens doors some students might never have imagined. One student lights up when talking about the garden the class tends outside: what started as a patch of bok choy and lettuce became more than a science project—it turned into a gift for teachers and neighbors, and taught the student about care, patience, and pride.
In another session, a visit from Glenarden Councilman Reese Hairston sparked an impromptu student debate about leadership and decision-making—an experience that showed these young learners that their voices matter in their community.
And for Kaelynn Wiggins and her father Gregory, the annual YES Thanksgiving dinner has become a family tradition. Gathering with classmates, teachers, and volunteers shows these students that they belong to a network of people who believe in their potential.
Research shows that high-quality after-school programs like YES can boost students’ confidence, strengthen school connections, and improve academic outcomes. Studies found that children in programs focused on skill-building and active engagement showed higher motivation, more positive behavior, and greater school bonding compared to peers without such opportunities.
But what makes YES especially effective is Melwood’s deep expertise in breaking down barriers for people who have been left out or overlooked. Decades of success in life and job skills training for adults inform this early investment in the next generation. Whether practicing math with flashcards or hearing about new career paths, YES students are discovering strengths they’ll carry with them for years to come.
Melwood’s YES Program isn’t just helping kids pass the time after school—it’s planting seeds of confidence, curiosity, and connection that will shape who these young people become. With continued community support, those seeds can grow into futures filled with courage, leadership, and possibility.
