Say Yes to Education seeks to ensure that the influences of family, school, and community are powerful and positive for Say Yes children. All Say Yes strategies seek to create a productive, directed life trajectory for its students, one that results in a post-secondary education and a lifetime of expanded possibilities.

To address obstacles, Say Yes offers (or partners with organizations to provide):

Early intervention via diagnostic assessment of Say Yes students’ strengths and weaknesses to enable delivery of appropriate supports and services;

Access to tutoring and enrichment opportunities, including early literacy supports, after-school programs in reading and math, and “Power Hour” tutoring for students most at risk of not advancing to the next grade level;

Summer programs that include academic support, cultural and recreational activities, and career exploration;

Support for parental participation in school-related activities;

Professional development for teachers in areas such as literacy, teaching of writing and math, & young adolescent development;

Say Yes involvement in school decision-making, including Say Yes staff participation on school councils and leadership teams, and in Individual Education Plan meetings for students.

Structured partnerships with hospitals and other health care providers to offer physical and mental health services as well as dental care.

Scholarships for two-year, four-year, and vocational institutes to its high school graduates;

Parent and sibling financial assistance at two-year-, four-year, or vocational institutes (siblings must be under 25, still live at home, and be biologically related to Say Yes students).

Social services to families, including counseling, intervention, and conflict resolution;

Family outreach is conducted by Say Yes Program Managers, many of whom are licensed social workers. Through regular home visits and meetings, Program Managers form trusting, collaborative relationships with Say Yes families. They also provide information and support for Say Yes families and youth to help them select appropriate courses and navigate the college admissions process;

Program Managers also address social marginalization and alienation at college, and provide access to a support group of pro-social peers;

They also provide referrals for legal assistance and testify in court on behalf of students;

In the Harlem Say Yes Chapter, free legal services are offered through Bingham McCutchen, an international law firm, which holds “office hours” during the week at the schools and provides a twenty-four hour message line;

Mentoring is also available at all Say Yes Chapters.