Mission:
The Youth Ensemble of SAHARA (YES) is a youth-driven initiative dedicated to providing and advocating for the necessary support and opportunities to ensure the success of South Asian youth in Los Angeles. YES is committed to creating social change and possibilities for South Asian youth to realize their fullest potential.

Who We Are:
Founded in 2009, the Youth Ensemble of SAHARA (YES) is the only organization of its kind in Southern California working to develop the leadership skills and talents of South Asian youth living in Los Angeles. Through supports and services, YES provides South Asian youth with safe spaces to learn, grow, and contribute to the community – and each other.

YES, is designed as SAHARA’s youth lifeline, where South Asian young people may express themselves and share their own experiences or simply listen to others. Here youth are able to open up and speak their minds in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment with people who relate to the same issues and can provide guidance.

Why We Exist:
YES was created to nurture the abilities and potential of South Asian youth, while addressing the innumerable challenges they face – at home, in school, and within the broader community. Many struggle with conflicting values and ideals inside and outside the home. Most experience challenges in adapting to a new culture and way of life. YES responds to the needs of South Asian youth through support, networking, mentoring, educational support, leadership-building activities, and recreational opportunities.

Youth Mixer: Meet, Greet and Mentor
At YES’ first event, “Youth Mixer: Meet, Greet and Mentor”, participants were able to meet, interact, discuss, learn, experience and eventually benefit from individuals who have only recently had the opportunity to declare they have “been there before”. This was an invaluable opportunity to learn about the different paths one can take this day and age in order to be successful. For the young professional, this was a chance to mentor, relate to and guide the future of America as they begin the quest that you only recently completed.