Written By: Jeffries Epps, Staff Writer
Throughout my years of working with youth, I’ve grown especially fond of mentoring programs that nurture personal leadership and entrepreneurship. There’s something deeply rewarding about watching young individuals discover their potential, set goals, and take the steps toward achieving them. One program that encapsulates this journey is the Y.E.S. Initiative at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC).
Today’s Pathways to Success Leadership Conference at FTCC is the epitome of what programs like Y.E.S. stand for. This conference, designed to empower students through exposure to academic, social, and career-based opportunities, reflects the mission of the Y.E.S. Initiative, which is to foster student success through mentoring and meaningful engagement. These opportunities don’t just prepare students for the classroom but for life, encouraging them to think critically about their futures and take ownership of their paths.
The Y.E.S. Initiative stands for You + Effort = Success, a fitting name for a program that thrives on interaction, mentorship, and guidance. It works to increase student engagement and success rates at FTCC, bridging the gap between academics and the real world. It provides a platform where students can gain exposure to experiences that align with their goals while building the confidence they need to pursue them.
I’m honored to be delivering the keynote speech today entitled “Opportunity: Where the Words Meet the Work.” This theme resonates with me because I believe the greatest opportunities don’t just present themselves—they are the result of preparation, vision, and effort. The words of inspiration and advice we offer these students are important, but it’s their commitment to putting in the work that transforms those words into meaningful action.
The Y.E.S. Initiative is more than a mentoring program—it’s a movement. It challenges students to see beyond their current circumstances and recognize the power they have to shape their futures. For some, the path to success may seem unclear or even out of reach, but through initiatives like Y.E.S., they are given the tools and guidance to not only dream but to act.
I’m proud to be a Y.E.S. man because this initiative mirrors the very essence of what mentoring should be—an ongoing, collaborative effort to empower, engage, and uplift the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. It’s programs like these that remind me of the incredible potential in each student, and I’m grateful to play a part in helping them realize it.