Meet the YES Staff

Beverly Stokes

Program Coordinator

Penny Romantic

Program
​Leader

Brent Triolo

Program
​Leader

Cait Lawrence

Program
​Leader

Luke Watkins

YES Rep

Grace Marcelo Ramirez

YES Rep

Rane Bullion

YES Rep

History of YES

Youth Employment Service has been around for more than 40 years. Initially, it began as an odd job service, helping teens and homeowners connect to each other for yard-work, babysitting, moving and other jobs. It expanded to provide subsidized employment opportunities. The first subsidized program, known as the Municipal Jobs Program or MJP, started in the 1980s and still exists today. This program serves over 75 youth and employs them at over 50 different worksites each summer. We have partnered with Cornell University, the Ithaca City School District, Ithaca College, Rotary, GIAC, Southside Community Center, the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and many others over the years to provide many different types of job opportunities for the teens of our community.

Over time the focus at YES has shifted from getting teens connected to jobs, to helping them develop job-related skills and preparing them for future success. We don’t do this alone! There are many employers, educators, community partners and funders that make what we do possible. In recent years we have taken on additional programs and initiatives that expand the types of opportunities we have available for our members. We look forward to many more years of helping teens navigate the world of work, and we hope you will contact us with questions, ideas, or interest in our programs.