Y.E.S Youth Entertainment Stage Company

The lines were long and seats limited as approximately 6,000 community members filled Modesto Junior College auditorium night after night to see the Youth Entertainment Stage Company's summer production of "Les Miserables." Now in its 12th season, YES Company provides teenagers in grades seven through twelve an opportunity to experience the performing arts. During summer break, participating youth learn the lessons of the theatre (responsibility, discipline, communication, teamwork, self-esteem) as they rehearse and produce a full-scale musical production.

Operated by the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE), students can also earn college credit thanks to a partnership with Modesto Junior College. "This is an excellent way of getting students onto a college campus, possibly alleviating any apprehensions they might have about college in the future," said YES Company Director Melanee Wyatt.

Funding for YES Company is provided by SCOE and through grants and private donations. The Education Foundation also contributes to the program's continued success and expansion through fund raising efforts.

--Stanislaus County School Quarterly Newsletter