There are moments in the school year that capture everything YES Prep stands for; Senior Signing Day (SSD) is one of them.

Inside a packed stadium filled with families, teachers, alumni, donors, and supporters, the YES Prep Class of 2026 took center stage to declare what comes next. One by one, seniors proudly announced the colleges, universities, career pathways, and military commitments that will shape the next chapter of their lives.

Senior Signing Day 2026, presented by ConocoPhillips, reflects years of hard work, resilience, and sacrifice, as well as belief from students, families, educators, and an entire community that continues to invest in what is possible for Houston students.

And this year, the celebration reached a historic milestone.

Surpassing the $100 Million mark

As part of the “On the Road to $100M” campaign, the Class of 2026 officially surpassed the $100 million threshold in scholarships and grants earned, continuing a tradition of excellence that has become synonymous with YES Prep students.

Together, the Class of 2026 has now earned more than $120 million in scholarships and grants, a milestone that represents academic achievement, expanded access and opportunity for students and families across Houston.

The accomplishments did not stop there. This year’s graduating class earned over 12,000 acceptances to colleges and universities across the country, including representation at every Ivy League university in the nation, a remarkable achievement that speaks to the talent, determination, and preparation of YES Prep seniors.

From first-generation college students preparing to step onto college campuses for the first time, to students pursuing careers in STEM, healthcare, business, education, the arts, public service, and the military, the Class of 2026 showcased the many pathways success can take.

A Celebration of Talent, Pride, and Community

SSD would not be the celebration it is without the extraordinary talent of our student performers. Throughout the event, student performance groups energized the crowd and showcased the creativity and talent found across YES Prep campuses. Performances from Brays Oaks Secondary’s D.I.A.M.O.N.D.Z, Southeast Secondary’s Dance Team, and West Secondary’s Marvels N Motion and many other of our campuses brought excitement and school pride to the stage, while emcees helped create an atmosphere that felt both emotional and unforgettable.

Families filled the stadium with signs, cheers, tears, and celebration as students crossed the stage and declared their futures. For many families, the moment represented years of sacrifice and perseverance. For educators, it was the culmination of years spent guiding students toward this milestone.

And for seniors, it was a reminder that they are stepping into futures filled with possibility.

The Power Behind the Moment

SSD is only possible because of the collective support that surrounds YES Prep students throughout their educational journey.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our presenting sponsor, ConocoPhillips, for helping make this celebration possible and for continuing to invest in Houston students and their futures.

We also thank the many donors, community partners, volunteers, families, and supporters who continue to believe in the mission of YES Prep. Your investment creates opportunities that extend far beyond graduation.

Because of that support, YES Prep students continue to access life-changing opportunities, explore college and career pathways, and pursue lives filled with purpose and possibility.

Looking Ahead

For the Class of 2026, Senior Signing Day marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Some seniors will soon leave Houston to attend universities across the country. Others will stay close to home to pursue their goals. Some will serve in the armed forces. Others will enter workforce and career pathways ready to make an impact in their communities.

But all of them leave YES Prep with something powerful: the confidence to pursue ambitious goals and the belief that they belong in every room they enter.

To the Class of 2026: Houston is proud of you. Your YES Prep family is proud of you. And we cannot wait to see what comes next.

Congratulations, seniors!

 

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