North Texas Giving Day is Here! (Aug. 27 – Sept. 17) | Click Here to Donate
North Texas Giving Day is Here! (Aug. 27 – Sept. 17) | Click Here to Donate
This enhanced in-school mentoring model helps students build confidence, character, and connection.
Designed with today’s students and schools in mind, our enhanced mentoring model is easier to implement during the school day and delivers greater impact than ever before.
This multi-faceted approach combines classroom-based sessions, one-on-one adult-student mentoring, and our proven peer mentoring strategies to foster connection, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Each program is led by a dedicated YES Mentoring Coach, providing consistent guidance and support from start to finish.
Our Peer Connection logic model has been reviewed by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the National Mentoring Resource Center (NMRC).
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Once a week, a Mentoring Coach leads programming during two existing elective periods—one for upperclassmen and one for underclassmen—so students can engage in the 26-lesson Peer Connection mentoring curriculum without missing core academics.
The Mentoring Coach returns to campus during the week to meet individually with students, providing consistent mentorship, academic and emotional support, and timely feedback to counselors and administrators.
The Mentoring Coach equips upperclassmen to mentor younger students, creating the peer-to-peer connection through regular meetups and ongoing check-ins that foster belonging, build empathy, and strengthen school culture.
“When students are supported with the right tools and trusted voices, they begin to thrive—in and beyond the classroom.”
Emonya holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human resources, bringing over five years of experience in youth development. She has advanced from campus-level mentoring to leading initiatives that strengthen student confidence, leadership, and belonging, and is recognized for creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
“I believe every young person has incredible potential, and I count it a privilege to walk alongside them on their journey.”
Born and raised in Dallas, Daniel has over a decade of experience working with young people, from guiding children’s programs to advocating for foster youth through Buckner International. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he has helped students discover their strengths, build resilience, and step into leadership roles, drawing on his own commitment to growth and community impact.
“In my youth, a gentle, true voice stirred a seed I didn’t know I carried. Now I speak to awaken in others what was once awakened in me.”
Giancarlo has great experience empowering young people to reach their potential. Inspired by the mentorship that shaped his own life, he has guided students to develop confidence, character, and a vision for their future. Known for his natural ability to connect, he creates spaces where students feel encouraged, supported, and motivated to grow into their best selves.
Dallas ISD
Interested in bringing Mentoring to your school? Our program is currently available in North Texas. To learn more about how we can partner, call us at 888.579.5790 or fill out the form below. A Youth Equipped to Succeed representative will respond promptly—we look forward to connecting with you!
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