Do you ever feel alone? Are you worried about your future? Would you like to build a better life for yourself and the people you love?

If so, the Y.E.S. (You + Effort = Success) program at Fayetteville Technical Community College might be right for you.

The Y.E.S. program supports male students by helping them achieve their educational, personal and professional objectives.

The program achieves these objectives by treating each student as a unique individual. Students meet with mentors who help them design an innovative blend of academic enhancement, character development and leadership training that is tailored to the needs of each student.

Every student in the program enjoys numerous benefits including career coaching, academic workshops, team-building events, scholarships, field trips, access to the program’s lounge on campus, and much more.
Students in the FTCC Y.E.S. program enjoy unique opportunities to escape the classroom and take trips that are both fun and educational. For example, Y.E.S. program students recently partnered with other students from FTCC and from Fayetteville State University to attend the Student Leadership Conference in Selma, Alabama. The five-day trip also included visits to the Jubilee Festival as well as the Inter-generational Hip-Hop Summit.

“I had very high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint,” FTCC student Joshua Farley said. “We went to different museums, and we saw just how big of an impact they made back then, especially our ancestors and what they went through.”

The Selma Trip is just one example of activities available to Y.E.S. program students. Those interested in learnign more about the trip can visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/blog/ftcc-students-connect-real-world-with-classroom-lessons-on-selma-trip/

Jesse Watts, an FTCC student and Y.E.S. participant shared his thoughts about the program: “The Y.E.S. initiative has been a key component in my success at Fayetteville Technical Community College. It has allowed me to fellowship and connect with other male minorities who are looking to better themselves both academically and professionally. It has afforded me the opportunity to be able to exchange ideas or words of encouragement which help groom and mentor other minority males for success.”

Watts is now serving as a mentor in the program.

“Being a mentor for Y.E.S. initiative has been rewarding. I have been able to ensure other young minority men go on to continue their journeys academically at four-year universities or professionally by entering into the workforce.”

Watts said the program is a way to help students reach their goals.

“The Y.E.S. initiative is a program well suited for all young minority males.” he said. “The culture of encouragement and challenge results in growth and overall success.”

The Y.E.S. program is open to all male students at FTCC. Participation in the program and all program activities are available free of charge.