2021 YESS Program Information

What is YESS?

The Youth Education & Summer Socialization Program (YESS) is a 10 week summer program serving students ages 5-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The program offers a half-day of education in classroom settings, half-day of recreation in the community (Monday through Thursday), and Friday day trips throughout the state. The program is designed to help students retain what they have learned during the school year while developing improved communication and socialization skills.

What makes the YESS Program Special?

The YESS Program offers opportunities that no other program can.  Through the unique collaboration between The Arc of Sedgwick County, Wichita's USD 259, The Wichita Department of Parks and Recreation, The United Way of the Plains, and Sedgwick County, YESS can provide education, recreation, and socialization in a community setting.  There is no other program like YESS in the nation!  What YESS offers students, families, and the community is a chance to develop friendships, build self-esteem, independence and personal growth