YES Prep’s commitment to students doesn’t end at graduation, it grows stronger. Through our College Initiatives programming, we walk with every student from middle school to college and beyond, ensuring that their success continues long after they cross the stage. Our Alumni Support, the third pillar of College Initiatives, is dedicated to keeping that promise. It’s where the phrase “After the Diploma” comes to life. “Once a student leaves YES Prep, they can always reconnect with the Alumni Support Team for a multitude of opportunities and resources,” shared Alejandra Muñoz, YES Prep’s Alumni Director. 

Support that Extends Beyond High School 

For graduates entering college, YES Prep provides practical support for the challenges ahead. Alumni can access College Essential Grants to help cover unexpected college costs and receive personalized academic and financial aid coaching to stay on track toward their degrees. 

To help build career pathways, the Alumni Support team connects graduates to career and internship opportunities through partnerships with LEE and CareerSpring. YES Prep also offers a summer internship for alumni who want to return and help seniors prepare for college, a true example of paying it forward. 

For those attending the University of Houston–Downtown or the University of St. Thomas, dedicated mentoring programs and monthly alumni meetings keep students connected to YES Prep and to each other throughout their college journeys. 

A Network that Gives Back 

Staying connected to YES Prep means continuing to grow. Alumni who participate in mentoring and internship programs gain leadership experience, build resumes, and prepare for their professional careers. 

But the most powerful impact happens when alumni return to share their stories. “Alumni who give back by visiting campuses, serving on panels, or supporting our seniors have an immeasurable impact,” Muñoz explained. “They show current students that what they’re striving for, going to college and having a career, is possible.” 

That inspiration strengthens YES Prep’s college-going culture and reminds every student that the journey doesn’t stop at acceptance letters; it continues through persistence, leadership, and service. 

Full Circle: From Students to University Representatives 

Some of the most inspiring alumni moments come when former YES Prep students return to the College & Career Fair, not as attendees, but as university representatives. “Stories like these exemplify our mission in action,” said Muñoz. “They demonstrate the full circle of our mission: we’ve not only prepared them to persist and thrive in college, but also empowered them to lead, give back, and open doors for the next generation of YES Prep students.” 

These moments represent the heart of After the Diploma, proof that the YES Prep experience creates changemakers who continue to shape the community long after graduation. 

Removing Barriers, Expanding Opportunities 

Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges for first-generation college students. YES Prep’s Alumni Scholarship Program, funded through the generosity of donors, provides direct financial support to approximately 150 alumni every year, ensuring that cost never becomes the reason a student can’t continue their education. “Our scholarship program is one of our most valuable resources,” Muñoz said. “By easing financial barriers, the scholarship program empowers alumni to stay focused on achieving their academic and career goals.” 

The Power of a Lifelong Network 

From college mentoring and financial support to professional connections and alumni engagement, YES Prep’s Alumni Support strand is a testament to our mission: preparing students to pursue lives of opportunity. 

Beyond their college success, alumni give back as mentors, educators, and leaders who help others reach new heights. 

This is what After the Diploma looks like. 
This is the Power of YES. 

Learn more about Alumni Support program HERE. Every alumni success story begins with a strong foundation. Discover how it all starts here: The YES Prep Advantage: How College Initiatives Transforms Futures.