School Projects

Brooklyn, NY - In New York, Students and Teachers both say YES!

At the High School of Telecommunication, Arts & Technology (HSTAT) in Brooklyn, NY, the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) is a regular after school program and student club.  The YES! Course and YES! Club has attracted honors students as well as students that are struggling in school or at home.

Students say that because of YES!, they can more easily focus in class, have less test anxiety, and get their homework done faster and more efficiently.  Other students report that they don’t get angry or irritated as much anymore, are able to resolve conflict without fighting, and feel calmer, more in control of themselves, and more at peace in general.  When the 6-day intensive part of YES! ends, the students at HSTAT exclaim how sad they are that it will now be only once a week! 

In addition, the Art of Living Course for Educators has been offered at the school and produced wonderful effects for the teachers, including reduced stress levels, more energy, more ease in dealing with students, and more clarity and efficiency.

The principal of HSTAT says,
“The Art of Living Course for Educators was a wonderful and powerful experience for my teachers: they experienced a great reduction in stress levels as a result of the seminar. It has helped them to deal calmly with trying situations and students in the classroom.  They have reported better moods in general, and a greater sense of ease and closeness with their co-workers.  Feelings of tension and anxiety have decreased, and the ability to focus over long periods of time has improved.

The program for high school students, the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!), has had an equally positive impact.  Students have shared with me how much more relaxed they feel, and how the techniques have helped them do homework with greater efficiency.  Many say it has helped them with test anxiety, as well as given them tools to deal with their negative emotions.  They all seemed to enjoy the program and many continue to use the techniques on their own. I have seen an increase in confidence as well as abilities to prioritize as a result of the program.

These programs give tools that are not easily learned inside of school, but that can enhance the abilities and quality of work for students and teachers alike.

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