YES Institute has worked with both staff and students of religious schools from the time of our inception to the present.


Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School

In 2004, YES Institute speakers opened dialogue at  Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School with faculty, religious leaders, and the entire student body.  Read More.


Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School

Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School invited YES Institute to speak with seventy peer counseling students about creating a safe school environment.

"People are often labeled and teased in our school. I see now that it is triggered by gender expressions, and this harassment should definitely stop." - Senior, Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School - Delfin Bautista  Read More.


Our Lady of Lourdes Academy

Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, a Catholic high school for girls, invited YES Institute to train their faculty in March 1999. From The Triangle - Volume III, Issue 3 – The Newsletter of YES

by Magda Panteleon

As a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, I was surprised to hear YES was asked to do a training on February 23 for a portion of the school's faculty. As I prepared to be part of the panel of speakers in my mind, I needed to be confident and strong as I discussed my “coming out” experience. However, the moment I walked in the room my confidence took a nose dive and I felt like a high school kid again with all the insecurities, feelings of isolation, shame and frustration for being the person I was made to be. The experience was like no other.

Although it was emotionally very difficult for me, I was overwhelmed by the support I felt from the people who were there. I couldn't help but think of how different my experience as a gay teen would have been if this training had been available for the caring staff that has always been present at Lourdes. They were very compassionate and empathetic toward the challenges gay teens face, especially in a religious environment. Most importantly, they were willing to face the challenge of being pioneers for the Catholic school community and I am confident they will soar in their new journey. As a gay woman, I am very proud to be part of the Lourdes Academy family!

South Florida Center for Theological Studies
officially accredited our Ministry Communication Course. Theology students can now receive one unit of continuing education credit through SFCTS for completing our course. Rev. Dr. David Gasperson, the Academic Dean of the Center, shared these words:“We will be happy to provide CE credit for any person who completes the course. I am pleased that SFCTS will be able to partner with the YES institute in this way.”