YES Institute has conducted presentations and trainings at institutions of higher learning all over South Florida, including:

Barry University

We shared our work with social work students in Professor Shed Boren’s class at Barry University in the spring of 2002. Read More.

Carlos Albizu University

Dr. Carol Clark invites YES Institute to speak with her graduate counseling class every semester, beginning in fall of 2003,  Read More and including fall 2004, Read More, through last semester, spring 2004 . Read More.

CAU students are predominantly Latin and Caribbean where exposure to this topic is often limited or lacking. The evaluations consistently reflect these panels as unique, moving, and the high point of the semester. I want to thank Joseph, Leticia, and all of the wonderful speakers who come and give of themselves so others may have this unique learning experience.

- Dr. Carol Clark, Professor, Carlos Albizu University

"What is it that makes you gay and me not? What's the difference between someone heterosexual and homosexual?" asked a perceptive psychology student at Carlos Albizu University.

The youth speaker answered, "There is no difference. We use labels to reflect cultural divisions and attempt to fit individuals into neat categories. We don't know why people are attracted to same sex partners anymore than we know why people are attracted to opposite sex partners."

Florida International University

Our activities at FIU have included speaking engagements in  Professor Glenda Belote’s diversity studies class (2001- Read More) and 2004 Read More, Betsy Smith’s graduate counseling class Read More, and Professor Sheri Smith’s Social Work class. Read More.

In addition, we have participated in a panel presentation organized by the FIU Gay/Lesbian/Straight Allianceduring gay pride week Read More, spoke to participants in a diversity conference at FIU Read More, and trained all FIU academic advisors in 2002, Read More.

YES Institute hosted the first class of Dr. Marilyn Volker’s new Sexuality Educator Certification Program and shared several portions of our Gender Continuum Workshop. This intensive two-week program is certified by Florida International University’s Professional Career Institute, making Florida one of few states with accreditation for high school sexual health educators. Read More.

Johnson and Wales

YES speakers addressed Johnson & Wales University Resident Advisors and staff, as well as students, in August and September Read More.

We spoke to students at Johnson and Wales again in spring 2003, Read More, which led to a conversation about gender with Residential Advisor Student Leaders at the university the next semester. Read More.

Miami Dade College

YES Institute speakers have addressed several ESOL classes at MDC, in 2001 Read More, 2003 Read More, and 2004, Read More.

Speakers have also engaged in dialogue with education . . . Read More, and More and Diverse Populations classes, Read More, among others.  Outside of the classroom, YES Institute conducted a seminar on “coming out” for MDC employees'  “Professional Development Day.” Over 70 people attended one of the two workshops. Read More.

St. Thomas University

YES instute speakers have addressed diverse groups of students at St. Thomas University Read More, including a general counseling class, Read More, and a “Counseling Special and Diverse Populations” class.  Read More.

Lourdes Agostini and Joseph Zolobczuk have also addressed Dade County Public School Teachers at St. Thomas University. Read More.

By Judy Bachay, Ph.D., St.Thomas University wrote to us: I wish you had been in our class for discussion after your visit. It was clear that everyone became acutely aware about issues facing anyone who is "different" .  Read More.

I wish to extend my appreciation as well as that of the students in “Counseling Special and Diverse Populations” at St.Thomas University, for your “eye-opening” information and very personal sharing. Some comments from Course reflection journals included:

• “I wondered what someone 21 years old could teach me…thank you.”

• “I appreciated Jason’s honesty and willingness to be vulnerable.”

- Cheri Marie Smith, LMHC-Adjunct Professor,School of Social Sciences and Counseling, St.Thomas University.

University of Miami

Dr. Marilyn Volker hosted YES speakers Marie Ortiz and Orlando Calderin for a presentation to her class of counselors and social workers. Read More. Dr. Volker's UM classes occasionally meet at YES Institute to use our Education Center and here the latest information we have to offer on gender and orientation.

In 2003, YES Institute speakers Chris Prado and Jose Luis Pere spoke to over 80 high school students as part of Upward Bound, a program run by the University of Miami. The program serves students who have reduced access to college preparation. Read More.