On Tuesday, February, 24, the energy inside Lincoln Middle School shifted the moment students realized this wasn’t going to be an ordinary morning.
Through a partnership with Junior Achievement, Lincoln hosted YES! Day, short for Your Economic Success, a half-day, building-wide experience designed to help middle school students understand how today’s academic choices connect directly to tomorrow’s opportunities.
The YES! program is intentionally designed for the middle grades, a time often described as the “middle school slump,” when students may begin questioning the relevance of school. According to program materials, Junior Achievement’s hands-on approach, combined with the presence of community volunteers, is particularly effective at illustrating the benefits of staying engaged in school and highlighting the connection between education and future economic success.
Students rotated through four 30-minute interactive activities, while volunteers remained in assigned classrooms delivering the same lesson to multiple groups. This structure ensured that every student participated fully and contributed to a shared experience across the grade level.
Hallways buzzed between rotations with conversations about career paths and possibilities. Each session focused on a different aspect of career readiness and financial literacy.
In one classroom, students explored career clusters and matched various professions with the levels of education or certifications required. Through team-based games and career interest surveys, they began to see how their strengths and interests could translate into real pathways. For many, it was the first time careers were presented not as distant ideas, but as structured, attainable options.
In another session, the focus shifted to personal finance. Students analyzed budgets, compared gross versus net pay, and evaluated how monthly expenses impact savings and lifestyle choices. What began as a worksheet quickly turned into meaningful debate as students weighed decisions and realized that financial responsibility requires planning and discipline.
Elsewhere, students practiced interviewing skills and resume building through interactive games and real-world scenarios. They critiqued sample resumes, discussed the power of first impressions, and even acted out mock interview moments. Laughter filled the room, but the learning was serious. Students left with practical strategies they can carry into high school and beyond.
Entrepreneurship and problem-solving were also central themes. In small groups, students brainstormed business ideas that addressed community needs, identified target audiences, and considered potential challenges. They learned that innovation requires both creativity and preparation, and that teamwork plays a critical role in turning ideas into action.
What made YES! Day especially impactful was the presence of community volunteers. Throughout the morning, they shared their personal journeys, educational paths, and career journey. Students asked thoughtful questions about college, trade schools, certifications, and alternative routes into the workforce. There is no single path to success, but education and effort matter in every pathway.
The YES! program is designed to include all students at a grade level, creating a shared energy throughout the building. At Lincoln, that energy was unmistakable. Students were envisioning themselves as future professionals and leaders.
This experience aligns directly with the School District of Lancaster’s Strategic Plan, particularly our focus on Academic Excellence and Family & Community Engagement. By expanding programs that expose students to diverse skills and career opportunities, and by strengthening partnerships with community organizations, we are preparing students to graduate academically, socially, and emotionally prepared for what comes next.
Our Portrait of a Graduate calls for students who are analytical, collaborative, communicative, civic-minded, and resilient. During YES! Day, those qualities were on full display. Students worked in teams, analyzed real-world scenarios, practiced communication skills, and began connecting their daily effort in school to long-term goals.
At Lincoln Middle School, YES! Day was a powerful reminder that when students can clearly see the connection between education and opportunity, engagement deepens and possibilities expand.
This week, our students didn’t just learn about economic success. They began planning for it. For more photos, visit our Facebook.