YEP! Programs Available To Howard County Youth This Summer, Upcoming School Year

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — More than 30 youth programming opportunities for young people in Howard County have been rolled out and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball encourages everyone to take advantage of them.

Available in every part of the county, these free programs are supported by Howard County’s Youth Engagement Programming grant, also known as the YEP! program. The YEP! programs will be offered by 30 nonprofit organizations that received funding through the YEP! grant. These programs are available to young adults and students who attend elementary, middle and high schools in Howard County. Programs will cover a variety of activities and engagement opportunities, including mentorship, tutoring, sports programs, environmental education, technology workshops, entrepreneurship, leadership development and more.

"These transformative YEP! programs will provide more opportunities for our young people to recreate, engage and grow with each other in safe, supported and nurturing environments. I remain committed to working alongside our young people to create a safe community where everyone is welcomed, supported and encouraged to become their best self," Ball said.

Two YEP! programs that kicked off during the summer are being hosted by Howard Community College. These include the HCC Youth Track and Field program and the HCC Youth esports program, which are targeted to serve youth in middle and high school. Both programs engage young people in activities with their peers and are focused on wellness, collaboration and teamwork.

"We are happy to host two YEP! programs at Howard Community College and engage our local youth in activities that promote social and emotional learning, wellness, partnerships, and teamwork. We are excited for the opportunity to have middle and high school students engage with our students and staff. It is a wonderful way for all to learn and grow together to meet our students where they dream," said Daria J. Willis, president of Howard Community College.

For more information about YEP! programs or to sign up to participate, visit the YEP! website.