The Denver Center for International Studies: The Peer Leadership Academy: A Model for 6-12 schools.

The purpose of the YESS Peer Leadership Academy at the Denver Center for International Studies is to “transform at-risk students into community leaders.”

Incoming 6th graders will be mentored by DCIS high school peer mentors. The 1:1 mentor and mentee relationship lasts 3 years after which the mentee becomes a mentor.

The focus is on dropout prevention, attachment to school philosophy, emotional intelligence, leadership development and academic excellence.

Change!

The ultimate change can be seen when looking at our students at the beginning of our program and again at the end. We begin with adolescents who initially do not believe in themselves; who feel incapable of achieving their goals. After being involved in our program students identify their goals and dreams and take strides to achieve them. Students' overall self-confidence increases, resulting in personal and academic fulfillment.

Some comments from mentees about the YESS Peel Leadership Academy at DCIS:
“It has been great getting to know new people.”

“I like the parties and the new friends that feel like family.”

“I like the activities we do and that we get to be with our mentors.”

“People are there to help us if we need it.”