Featured Image: Youth skier. Credit: Jodi Hilton/YES
On May 14, Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit dedicated to offering meaningful outdoor experiences to thousands of young people in Boston since 1968, was honored with the 2025 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion of the Year Award by U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
“YES is proud to provide access to skiing and snowboarding to more than 100,000 Boston youth over the past five decades. We believe every young person should have an opportunity to enjoy outdoor sports, and we make sure finances are not a barrier,” said Bryan Van Dorpe, Executive Director of YES. “Being recognized by the prestigious U.S. Ski & Snowboard is a tribute to the hard work of our staff and volunteers and the generosity of our donors.”
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion of the Year Award is focused on recognizing a person, group, organization, or program that has contributed significantly and sustainably to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in skiing and snowboarding.
The award was presented to Van Dorpe and Mark Williams, son of YES founder Richard Williams, a YES Trustee and YES Alumni Circle Chair, at the Chairman’s Awards Dinner at the 2025 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Congress in Park City, Utah.
“Youth Enrichment Services exemplifies the transformative power of sport to create access, equity, and opportunity,” said Matt Giacalone, VP of People, SafeSport, and DEI at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “For more than five decades, YES has opened the door for thousands of young people in Boston to experience the joy of skiing and snowboarding. We are proud to honor their extraordinary commitment to inclusion in our sport.”
For more than 56 years, YES has provided low- to moderate-income children and teens throughout Boston with the opportunity to learn how to ski—many of whom might not have the opportunity to enjoy New England’s mountains. YES was founded in 1968 by the late Richard Williams, whose goal was to “give youth a chance.” Williams had a passion for skiing and drew inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his call to dream of possibilities. He also benefited from youth mentorship programs.
Over the years, YES has grown to include other outdoor activities such as snowboarding, rock climbing, biking, and track and field. The organization empowers Boston youth to reach their full potential through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities that build confidence and prepare them to face life’s challenges.
About YES
Founded in 1968, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) offers Boston youth opportunities to experience the outdoors, develop confidence, and build leadership skills through year-round sports-based programs. The organization prioritizes serving low- and moderate-income youth with a focus on young people living in the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain. All youth at YES are Boston residents, and we welcome all young people regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status. Acceptance into YES programs and sliding scale fees are based on need and determined by household income and residency in YES’s focus neighborhoods. For more information, visit YESKIDS.ORG
About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, Nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine, and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.
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