Every spring, YES Prep embarks on a mission to broaden our juniors' horizons through the Junior Spring Trip (JST)—a carefully curated educational journey designed to expose 11th-grade students to the realities and possibilities of college life. These trips are thoughtfully planned to align with each student’s academic profile and aspirations, providing firsthand exposure to college campuses and helping students visualize their futures.
This year’s trips took YES Prep juniors across Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota, and California to explore a diverse range of colleges and universities. Chaperoned by dedicated college counselors and teachers, the experience allowed students to immerse themselves in campus environments, connect with admissions staff and current students—including YES Prep alumni—and begin shaping their college lists with confidence and clarity.
A Trip That Transforms
For Tanya Guidry, college counselor at YES Prep Southeast Secondary, the JST is a tradition she cherishes. “Junior Spring Trip is my favorite YES tradition! I love watching our students explore new colleges, make new friends, and realize they have so many educational opportunities,” she shared. One unforgettable moment from her group’s trip? A spontaneous snowball fight that filled the day with fun and bonded students in a new environment. Tanya saw students become more open to applying to out-of-state schools and begin envisioning themselves thriving in spaces that once felt distant.
Meanwhile, JaMarkius Hill, an Algebra II teacher at YES Prep Gulfton Secondary, witnessed the power of new experiences firsthand. “My most memorable moment was when the students had the opportunity to sit inside the lecture hall and the number of questions they asked—they were so amazed.” He noted a major shift in mindset among students, many of whom began to grasp the responsibility and independence college life requires. Some were even surprised to find schools that fully embraced their culture, religion, or support needs. His biggest takeaway? “This experience promotes college readiness and builds awareness and confidence for students who may not have otherwise imagined themselves on a college campus.”
At YES Prep Southeast, Erkenis White, a teacher and course facilitator, reflected on how students' attitudes changed during the trip. “I can confidently say that some students arrived unsure about whether they wanted to attend college but left with a desire to pursue higher education.” For his group, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) stood out the most due to its welcoming environment and diverse student organizations. From learning about GPA requirements to enjoying games at Dave & Buster’s, students built bonds with each other while forming a clearer picture of their next steps.
In Louisiana, Selena Tully, a college counselor at YES Prep East End Secondary, guided her group through campuses like LSU and Tulane. “Many students were just excited about the trip at first, but as they toured colleges, they began to see themselves as future college students. They ended the trip with new schools they were interested in applying to.” She emphasized how helpful it is for students to feel the vibe of each campus to determine what matters most to them. The liveliness of LSU and practical advice from Tulane’s admissions team—like starting college essays early—left a lasting impression.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Across all trips, the most common question students asked was about the cost of attending college. Others inquired about campus life, class sizes, student support systems, and how to navigate new environments—especially when it comes to personal identity, religion, or accessibility. These conversations, often sparked by alumni or college staff, helped students ask deeper questions and reflect on what they value most in their future college homes.
Perhaps one of the most valuable outcomes of the Junior Spring Trip is how it demystifies the college experience. Whether students are already set on attending college or still exploring their options, being on campus—and interacting with real college students—creates a level of clarity that can’t be replicated in a classroom.
As Tanya put it, “It creates a buzz and excitement in helping to prepare for senior year and application season. It’s an invaluable opportunity that puts juniors on a clearer path to their futures.”
For future YES Prep juniors, the advice from this year’s chaperones is simple: Come with an open mind. Ask questions. Take it all in.
Because the moment they step foot on a college campus, the future isn’t just something to dream about—it becomes something to plan for.
About YES Prep’s College Initiatives
YES Prep’s College Initiatives are aimed to successfully support YES Prep students in navigation the transition from high school to college. Our College Initiatives programming is designed to ensure ALL our students have viable post-secondary options: college, military and the workforce.
To learn more about our College Initiatives, click here.