By Lajja Mistry

At the July 2025 Human-Computer Interaction Institute showcase, students from Pittsburgh Public Schools and Winchester Thurston presented innovative assistive technology, including AI-driven navigation tools and wearable haptic sensors, designed to increase independence for people with disabilities.

By Willie Knight & Jaquan Brockman

YES published an Op-Ed in Teen Vogue regarding the status of gun violence in Pittsburgh and sharing personal stories of those lost due to the issue.

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By YES Staff

YES recently published an article in the Journal of Youth Development titled, Motivation (Constructs) Made Simpler: Adapting Self-Determination Theory for Community-Based Youth Development Programs.

By Talia Kirkland, WPXI-TV

Family and friends of Matthew Steffy-Ross, one of the teens killed during the tragic Airbnb shooting, helped organize a Teen Public Safety and Violence Summit. More than 100 teens gathered to talk about how gun violence in Pittsburgh affected them. 

Press Release

PITTSBURGH, PA - May 25, 2021: The Western PA Diaper Bank (WPDB) is providing local awareness to the global issue of Period Poverty by observing Period Poverty Awareness Week during the week of May 24th through May 30th. 

By Denise Jones & Dennis F. Jones

Oftentimes, it is not what is present, but what is missing, that matters most. YES’ Spring 2020 Journal Publication supports this claim & demonstrates YES’ commitment to connecting to research opportunities within the scholarship community. 

By Patricia Sheridan
As one of several finalists, YES received the Champions of Learning Community Award for its two-decades of community outreach. YES was especially honored for creating unique enrichment opportunities that transcend the classroom.

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) facilitated an ideation session on lead exposure related communications. The goal of the meeting was to generate new and creative ways to communicate with the public about lead education and lead testing. 

By Katie Hovan

The Pittsburgh Violence Prevention Summit in July 2025 brought together community leaders, researchers, and youth to develop actionable strategies for reducing violence, emphasizing that youth involvement and data-driven solutions are essential for creating long-term safety in the region.y impact families and youth.​​

By Denise Jones

YES recently published a brief in the Connected Science Learning journal of the National Science Teaching Association. The brief reflects on young people’s involvement in youth participatory action research.

By YES Staff

As 2020 came to an end YES sought to find a way to effectively capture the accomplishments, challenges, and overall spirit of our last decade of work. This report illustrates the myriad aspects of YES that have defined the last ten years.

By Bryant Reed, KDKA

A group is bringing youth to promote violence prevention. The first teen Violence Prevention Summit is a way for the youth of PGH to strategize with law enforcement professionals on how to prevent future violence and their friends from dying.

Press Release

PITTSBURGH, PA - July 10, 2019: YES is putting its mentorship model to the test this summer by providing young girls an opportunity to engage in various sports alongside YES female mentors at Camp FEWI (Female Empowerment & Wellness Initiative).​

By New Pittsburgh Courier

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that YES has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the Youth Leadership category. The award, announced jointly by Citizens Bank, WPXI-TV, Trib Total Media & Pittsburgh Cares, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding.

By Theresa Clift

YES received grant funds from the Allegheny County Health Department to conduct an education campaign on lead exposure and to continue lead investigative research in East End communities with youth researchers.

By Kara Holsopple, Allegheny Front

It’s a hot, sunny day in August, and high school students McKayla Dixon, Anesa Reed, and Keith Jamison are working their summer jobs. The three teenagers are walking up and down hills hoping to talk with residents in the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood.

By Amelia Winger

After a year of training teens to heal from trauma, Youth Enrichment Services released a strategic report to begin implementing their teens’ ideas for reducing gun violence.

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By Lori Crawford

YES would like to wish Lori Crawford, Creativity Curator, a happy 10-year anniversary! For over a decade now, Lori has worked in bringing in resources and funding to YES to make what we do possible.

By Amelia Winger

In 2022, YES released a strategic report to begin implementing their teens’ ideas for reducing gun violence. The report is a culmination of the YES' yearlong effort to train teens to heal from the trauma of gun violence and become activists.

By Sheldon Ingram, WTAE

Dozens of teenagers from Pittsburgh neighborhoods convened to address the recent wave of deadly gun violence that has claimed their peers. YES created the gathering to get to the root of violence and prepare the next generation of leaders. 

By Denise Jones, Eric Darsow, Dennis F. Jones

In 2017, our youth partnered with the Allegheny County Health Department and University stakeholders to conduct a youth participatory action research project addressing lead exposure in Lincoln Lemington. 

By Jamie Martines
Martell Reese wants to change the world. 

And he's starting in PGH's Homewood neighborhood. Along with 3 teammates, he surveyed over 40 Homewood residents to highlight the factors community members think would help improve public safety.

By Jill Daly

Getting the word out about the dangers of lead, and how it threatens health, has
taken to the streets. High schoolers Willie Knight, 16, and Charles Powell, 14, tracked customer traffic at 2 stores in Lincoln-Lemington for a lead education program.