Students are engaged in every aspect of the running of the school.  Because of the commitment and initiative these activities inspire in the students, I think it is a form of education that should be available for more teenagers.  YIHS offers a great holistic education and more.  It engages the students in the workings of things and inspires involvement and purpose in their work in the world.
-Martha Buche, Current Parent
“An integral part of the YIHS experience is gladly accepting challenges that one might not face in most high school environments. I remember scrambling to fundraise for the school, cleaning the hallways, and meeting with my peers to discuss the school’s future. Now that I’m supposedly “all grown up”, I’ve realized that not only did YIHS provide me with an excellent education, but it also taught me some invaluable life skills. And for those experiences, I will forever be grateful to YIHS.” 
-Jeff Marshall, Class of ‘06 
“In addition to a solid education, I left Youth Initiative with a strong sense of independence and confidence that has allowed me to tackle whatever path I choose to follow.  Being trusted with responsibility and being expected to think for myself as a student fostered the creativity and resourcefulness that have helped me follow through on my wildest ambitions, no matter how improbable or challenging. I am so grateful to the Youth Initiative community for giving me such a special opportunity to discover and use my own abilities, the self-assuredness that came from their confidence in me is invaluable."
-Emily Colacino, Class of ‘07
“One of the main things YIHS taught me is to appreciate the beauty of awkwardness. If you are not afraid of the awkward, uncomfortable, overly sincere, a lot of other unnecessary, ancillary matter falls away. For me awkwardness equates realness. It is the emotional equivalent of thrusting your hands deep into the soil... and then pulling them out and rubbing them on somebody. I am biological material and so are you and so is this, so wear it proudly. Figure out what's important to you, because the dirt will always be there. “ 
 -Nate Baumgartner, Class of ‘07 
Our community-based education captures the attention, effort, and hearts of many involved; from parents to students and from faculty to community members.
"Working at YIHS is a challenge and an inspiration every day.  The experience I get from YIHS is the experience I hope our students get as well; the experience of creating meaning for myself in a community, and the sense that by doing my best I can actually make the world a better place."

-Matthew Voz, YIHS Faculty Member