Guided by core values of Integrity, Commitment, Excellence and Courage, YES for PREP is a long- term investment strategy which begins by positioning the student for success. YES for PREP identifies academically talented 7th grade students from minority group backgrounds and prepares them to compete successfully for entry into academically challenging college preparatory high schools. When students are selected by YES for PREP they become members of a community committed to the 14-month acute academic program, coupled with cultural and social experiences, while maintaining a minimum 3.0 average in their home school. When students graduate from the 14-month academic component of YES for PREP, they remain members of the community with full support and are expected to render services to members of the community. The YES for PREP team, comprised of administrators, highly qualified teachers and academic counselors, targets students with the potential and determination to become future leaders. It combines the belief that talent deserves to be nurtured with a both-feet-on-the-ground realism regarding what needs to be done to enable a youngster to succeed. YES for PREP is funded by The Skillman Foundation on an annual basis.