What's up with YAP

(Youth Action Program)?

The Youth Action Program (YAP) was started 19 years ago by Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy Stoneman and continues to do wonderful things for the Harlem community.

YAP renovates old buildings in Harlem, making them available for homeless and low-income families. The program is geared toward young African-Americans and Latinos who have either dropped out of high school or are unemployed.

The concept of students renovating buildings began when Ms. Stoneman, after seeing so many run-down buildings in Harlem, decided to do something about them. Since the buildings were in such bad condition, they were sometimes sold for less than a dollar. She and her students began restoring building after building for the community.

In doing so, young men and women get hands-on training and an opportunity to better their lives. While in the program they work toward a GED and take leadership classes. Once they have completed the six-month program, which also involves 900 hours of community service, they receive money toward a college education They receive $268 over the course of the program to sustain themselves while they work.

There is also a student government available for them to participate in. To become a member in the Youth Action Program, one must apply at their office, located at 220 East 106 St, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. There is an interview process as well as a test of basic-level reading skills. Applicants must also attend an orientation at which 60 people are selected.

The program was a success and as a result, it grew. There are currently 108 programs nationwide. The larger organization is called Youth Build Network, and their headquarters are in Boston, MA.

Another gauge of the program's success is to hear from the participants themselves. Harlemlive interviewed some YAP members who were working right up the street from our 5th Avenue location:

Name: Calvin Washington

Age: 22

length involved: 6 months

What has the program done for you, how have you benefited?

[This program] kept me off the streets. Going through the program teaches

you construction skills, [you learn how to] budget your money and a chance to

go to college.

What projects are you currently working on through YAP?

We are working to build a school through YAPH- Youth Action Program and Homes.

What do you enjoy most about YAP?

We get to learn construction with hands on tools. After working with YAP for

6 months we get a scholarship for college. There are also job opportunities,

like at Home Depot

How did you become involved in YAP?

I heard a bout YAP from a counselor in a group home

What message do you have for the youth of today?

Stay in school, try to be the best. Don't do drugs and give back to the

community.

What are three words you could use to describe your YAP experience?

Hard work, determination, and challenging.

Do you feel that YAP has had a small, big or average impact on your

Life?

A good impact, I'm getting my GED. [YAP] is a very good stepping stone.

Name: Tynelle Hoover

Age: 25

length involved: 8 months (since Nov.11, 1998)

What has the program done for you, how have you benefited?

The program has made me more responsible, and I am obtaining construction

skills. I wanted to be a carpenter, and YAP has helped me to focus and

accomplish my goal.

What projects are you currently working on through YAP?

We just put up a building on 118th and 2nd Avenue. It's a building for the

Homeless and low-income families.

What do you enjoy most about YAP?

The work we put in, being able to look back and say, "We did that". After we

complete the program we get a college scholarship. I also enjoy the valuable

skills that YAP teaches. .

How did you become involved in YAP?

I lived where one of YAP's construction areas was.

What message do you have for the youth of today?

Stay in school, further your education as far as college. [I don't want

anyone] to go through what I went through.

What are three words you could use to describe your YAP experience?

Successful, meaningful, helpful.

If you were not involved with YAP what would you be doing?

I would be still working. I had a night job at Reebok's sports club.

Do you feel that YAP has had a small, big or average impact on your

life?

YAP has had a big impact , it makes it easier to maintain and manage my

future. I am one step closer to being a carpenter. I am also President of

the YAP student council.

Name: Tiffany Scott

Age: 18

length involved: 6 months

What has the program done for you, how have you benefited?

I am learning construction skills and how to be a leader.

What projects are you currently working on through YAP?

Just this one, we are building a school for YAP.

What do you enjoy most about YAP?

Learning leadership skills, through our leadership development classes

How did you become involved in YAP?

I heard about it through one of my mother's friends, and I signed up.

What message do you have for the youth of today?

Try to stay focused on positive things in life.

What are three words you could use to describe your YAP experience?

Motivation, discipline, and guidance

If you were not involved with YAP what would you be doing?

I have no idea.

Do you feel that YAP has had a small, big or average impact on your

life?

YAP has had a very big impact on my life.

If you would like further information on YAP their phone number is

(212) 860-8170.