YPS is the only program of its kind that teaches high school students to be effective leaders on critical policy issues. Participants tackle a critical problem, learn mediation skills, and make life-long friends. Take action and create the future you want to see at YPS!

The Topic 

Each Summit focuses on an energy, environment or health-related issue (for example, energy efficiency, water quality and quantity, obesity). With the help of a guided research project, participants come to the Summit with a solid overview of the topic's contentious issues and continue to expand their substantive knowledge throughout the week.  During the Summit, students have the opportunity to meet with experts in the field, and brainstorm action projects they can implement at home.

The Process

Throughout the week, participants learn and practice essential 21st century skills including creative problem solving, group collaboration and critical thinking.  Students spend time learning the basics of mediation and negotiation theory, and put their skills into practice as they role play from the perspective of their diverse stakeholders. Using Keystone's signature STEEPLE analysis, participants gain an understanding of the complex nature of a large-scale policy issue and the countless elements involved in decision making.  Lead by Keystone staff, each YPS group works together to find their common interests and build a sustainable solution.

Student Outcomes

YPS is a life changing experience, and students who participate in YPS:

Have an increased sense of personal empowerment and community responsibility. YPS teaches students to become leaders and fosters awareness of local and national issues. YPS alumni participate in community action projects and initiate programs and awareness campaigns to promote change on a local and national level.

Improve their collaboration and communication skills. Students report that YPS increases their ability to effectively communicate their own ideas, as well as understand and respect the ideas of others. The program's focus on mediation offers students the ability to understand the effectiveness of collaboration, and how to reach consensus over contentious issues.

Gain and apply knowledge of their Summit topic. Students gain in-depth understanding of the contentious public issue their Summit is focusing on. They come to understand the various viewpoints and concerns associated with a large issue, and feel confident discussing this topic with peers, authority figures and leaders.

Understand policy making and gain awareness of possible career paths and fields of study. Students learn the difficulties and complexities of policy making, and learn about fields of study and careers through interacting with expert panelists and stakeholder research and role playing.

A college experience. Students who have participated in campus-based YPS programs appreciate the experience of living in dorms and gaining an understanding of college life while still in high school.

Form lasting friendships and expand their social circles. YPS expands students' social circles to include diverse friends from across the country, an experience which opens many high school students' minds to the diversity of opinions and backgrounds that they will come into contact with throughout their lives.

 For more information about the YPS week, please visit Program Components