College readiness isn’t just a goal for the entire YES Prep community, it’s our North Star. From the first day a student steps onto a YES Prep campus, every lesson, program, and experience is designed to open doors they never thought they could walk through. Our mission to prepare students to pursue lives of opportunity means supporting them through every milestone, every step of the way, after the diploma to college and beyond. 

That’s where College Initiatives comes in. College Initiatives (CI) is the heartbeat of YES Prep’s college readiness work, a comprehensive program that ensures every student, regardless of background, has the knowledge, skills, and guidance to thrive in their post-secondary path. 

The visual above illustrates YES Prep’s three interconnected strands of College Initiatives, College Readiness, College & Career Access, and Alumni Support, surrounded by the core values that guide our work: Family Engagement, Academic Rigor, and Character Development. Together, they form a powerful framework that makes YES Prep’s college preparation one of the strongest and most personalized models in Houston. 

College Readiness: Academic Preparation 

College readiness begins long before senior year. Our students start early, exploring their interests, learning about post-secondary options, and building strong academic habits that set the foundation for success. 

By 8th grade, students craft personalized course plans that keep them on track for graduation and future goals. In high school, they tackle rigorous coursework like Advanced Placement (AP) classes and receive targeted support for SAT and TSIA2 exams. Every student also benefits from individualized advising that continues through senior year, ensuring they make informed decisions about college, career, and life after high school. 

And families are partners every step of the way, through one-on-one advising sessions, family workshops, and tailored resources that make the college process understandable, empowering, and collaborative. 

College & Career Access: Exploration Through Experience 

Through intentional exposure and hands-on learning, students connect their academic preparation to real-world opportunities. 

Whether exploring colleges during the Junior Spring Trip, connecting with 100+ universities at the Success After YES College & Career Pathways Fair, or participating in summer programs that strengthen leadership and identity, YES Prep students gain the experiences and confidence to envision a bright future. 

Our partnerships make this access even stronger. IMPACT College Partnerships with selective universities expand admissions and scholarship opportunities, while Ignite Career Partnerships connect students to professionals and pathways that spark inspiration and career readiness. 

Alumni Support: Success After the Diploma 

YES Prep’s commitment to students doesn’t end at graduation; it continues through our Alumni Support. Alumni receive ongoing guidance as they transition to college, access to scholarships, and the opportunity to develop professional and leadership skills through programs like CareerSpring and LEE. 

Through the YES Prep Alumni Association, graduates stay connected to their peers and the network that helped them thrive. They give back as mentors, volunteers, and, in many cases, as college representatives who return to recruit the next generation of YES Prep students. 

This lifelong connection ensures that YES Prep graduates not only get to college but through college, and into successful, fulfilling careers. 

College Initiatives by the Numbers 

• The Class of 2025 submitted over 18,700 college applications and received 12,600+ acceptances. 

• Students earned $90 million in financial aid and scholarships. 

• 650 graduates earned college credit on AP exams. 

• 100% of graduates received at least one four-year college acceptance. 

• 1,700 students (grades 8–12) joined career exposure events. 

• 715 Juniors visited 60 colleges across 10 states. 

These milestones represent the belief that every student deserves access to opportunity, and every family deserves a partner in that journey. 

The Road Ahead 

College Initiatives is a promise that every YES Prep student will graduate ready to succeed in college, career, and life. 

“Our work is about empowerment,” said Roberto Trevino, Managing Director of College Initiatives. “We prepare students to choose their own paths of opportunity, knowing YES Prep will always be part of their support system, even after the diploma.”

This blog marks the start of a new storytelling series highlighting the impact of College Initiatives, beginning with “After the Diploma,” a look into how YES Prep alumni continue to shine in college and beyond. 

Families interested in joining a community where students are known, challenged, and prepared for lifelong success are encouraged to apply today. 

Learn more and apply here.