East Liberty nonprofit Youth Enrichment Services Named 2019 Champion in Action
“Trib Total Media recognizes the power of the mentorship provided to young people in the Pittsburgh region by Youth Enrichment Services.”
— Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media President and CEO
By Courier Editor, March 4, 2019
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit providing socially and economically at-risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education and enrichment programs, has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Youth Leadership. The award, announced jointly by Citizens Bank, WPXI-TV, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work, according to a release.
Youth Enrichment Services (YES) provides empowerment, experiential opportunities, academic enrichment and summer employment as positive pathways to future success. YES partners with local organizations to create synergy and generates transformative stories, national accolades and positive research outcomes.
MELINDA JONES (she/her/hers)
Coordinator of Workforce and Post-Secondary Programming
Melinda Jones graduated from West Virginia University with her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education in 2016. Upon graduation she landed a teaching job in Woodbridge Virginia where she was fortunate to work with the youngest, brightest, and most curious minds in a diverse elementary classroom. After teaching second grade for six years, Melinda transitioned back to Pittsburgh to help YES grow its academic and workforce programs. At YES, Melinda is a program coordinator and helps to facilitate workforce and post-secondary programming for young people. She specifically lends her expertise to YES Youth Civic Leadership Academy and Learn and Earn Programs where she coordinates resources and logistics, facilitates sessions, and oversees student case management.