YMCA Educational Services (YES)

Empowering Adults Through Education Since 1977

Achieve your learning goals with our free, accessible programs for adults

• Adult Literacy - Improve your reading skills at any level

• ESL Classes - Learn English as a second or other language

• HiSET/GED prep - Earn your high school equivalency diploma (with online options!)

• College & Career Pathways - Transition to your next opportunity with our partners

• Computer/Digital Skills - Build digital literacy for everyday life and today's workforce

• Workplace Literacy - Invest in job-specific skill building for yourself or your employees

SUCCESS STORIES

From non-readers seeking better daily functioning to workers advancing their careers, our personalized approach meets you where you are and helps you get where you want to be.

Toria is a 2024-25 graduate of our program. She wasted no time and enrolled in college right away. Previously she tried other types of HiSET prep programs, but they didn’t stick. She said that she found the YMCA distance learning program gave her the right balance of freedom to work at her own pace and the structure of individualized support from her instructor.   When asked what was the thing that kept her going when she was tired and maybe thought of giving up, she replied, “I could hear my teacher’s voice in my head telling me that I could do hard things, and I listened to her.”

FOR PARTNERS

Join leading organizations in creating lasting community impact

By partnering with YES, you:

• Support a proven program with over 45 years of success
• Help break the cycle of poverty through education
• Strengthen the local workforce
• Create a more engaged, literate community
• Gain visibility as a community leader committed to social change

OUR IMPACT

Born from a grassroots initiative by local pastors concerned about adult literacy, YES has evolved into a comprehensive educational force in Greater New Orleans. Through our strategic partnership with the New Orleans Public Library and Jefferson Parish Libraries, we provide accessible learning opportunities in convenient community locations.

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

"We're thrilled to partner with the YMCA again for this year's race which will benefit adult literacy initiatives throughout New Orleans. Entergy is committed to creating a brighter future for our communities and by investing in programs that promote literacy, we are empowering individuals to unlock their full potential, advance in workforce opportunities and improve their quality of life."

Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility

READY TO START?

For Students: Call us at (504) 596-3842 or click submit our contact form at tinyurl.com/ymcaed

For Partners: Contact Director Dr. Amy Leggette at (337)523-9115 to discuss partnership opportunities.