For high school students across Beaver County, the transition from the classroom to the workforce can be daunting. But thanks to the Youth Employment Skills (YES) Academy—a collaborative program led by the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit (BVIU)—students are getting a head start on building the confidence and skills they need to succeed after graduation.
Organized by the BVIU’s Training and Consultation (TaC) Department, the YES Academy is open to students from 10 participating school districts. The program runs from September through May and serves students in grades 10–12.
“This program is all about preparing our students for real life after high school,” said Melissa Lanious of the YES Academy. “We focus on life skills—how to get a job, how to keep a job, and how to navigate the world as an adult.”
The YES Academy meets monthly, with each session focusing on a different aspect of post-graduation success. Topics include interview preparation, resume writing, soft skills, self-care, hygiene, and dressing for success. The goal, Lanious said, is to build students’ confidence and self-advocacy—qualities that grow stronger each month.
“You can really see the change from September to May,” Lanious said. “The students start to open up. They learn how to introduce themselves, how to talk about their strengths, and how to walk into an interview without being afraid.”
On March 24, the YES Academy held its final monthly session before graduation. The day featured a series of hands-on stations where students put into practice everything they’ve learned throughout the year—interviewing, professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It was designed as a capstone experience to bring the full year of learning together.
That session also included the program’s annual Clothing Cafe, one of the most popular and impactful parts of the year. Students had the opportunity to “shop” for work-appropriate clothing and accessories in a judgment-free, supportive setting. Every item—from shoes and dress shirts to belts and jewelry—was donated by community members, staff, and families, or purchased using donated funds.
“It’s always a favorite,” Lanious said. “It’s a safe, supportive space where students can pick out what they need and feel proud of how they present themselves. Everyone pitches in to make it special.”
The program concludes with a graduation ceremony on May 23, which will include student speakers and a keynote address. The event celebrates the students’ growth and everything they’ve accomplished throughout the year.
“Today’s event was designed to bring everything full circle,” Lanious said. “It’s a wrap-up of what they’ve learned and a reminder that they’re ready for what comes next.
“Our biggest hope is that they leave here with the confidence to walk into a room, shake someone’s hand, and speak for themselves. That’s what this is all about.”
