April 6, 2026
YESS registration is now open. Families are encouraged to apply soon as space is limited.
Announces New Location at Bryant Elementary
YESS (Youth Educational Summer Services) program is gearing up for another impactful summer, with registration now officially open for families across the region.
This year, YESS will relocate to Bryant Elementary, near the 4800 block of West 9th Street, adjacent to Orchard Recreation Center. The move brings the program closer to AbilityPoint’s offices and into a facility well-suited for high engagement and activity levels. Bryant’s experience serving students with more complex behavioral needs makes it an ideal environment for YESS’s dynamic, hands-on programming.
Program staffing is rapidly taking shape, with 35 team members already hired and additional interviews underway this week. However, as enrollment grows—particularly among students requiring 1:1 or 1:2 support—staffing ratios remain a critical focus. Program leaders anticipate the need for up to 45–50 staff members to ensure every child receives the support they need.
Families are already signing up, and spots are filling quickly.
YESS continues to stand apart as a one-of-a-kind program, made possible through a unique partnership between AbilityPoint, Wichita Public Schools (USD 259), Wichita Park & Recreation, and Sedgwick County. Together, these organizations create an experience that blends education, recreation, and social development in a community-based setting—something not replicated anywhere else in the country.
Beyond summer fun, YESS addresses a critical educational need. Research shows that special education students can lose significant progress over the summer months, with teachers spending much of the fall re-teaching lost skills. YESS helps bridge that gap by offering a morning educational component that reinforces learning through engaging, theme-based activities—all while building confidence, independence, and social skills.
Participants enjoy a wide range of experiences—from swimming and horseback riding to field trips at Exploration Place, the Kansas Cosmosphere, and even Worlds of Fun. These opportunities foster meaningful social interaction and create lasting memories for students.
Families interested in enrolling must create an account through Camp InTouch and complete required forms prior to attendance. Financial assistance options, including HCBS waiver support, family support funds, and scholarships, are available to help offset costs.
With a new location, strong staffing momentum, and growing enrollment, YESS is poised for another transformative summer.
For more information or help with registration, families can contact AbilityPoint program staff at (316) 943-1191.
