YEA's goal is to work with youth on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation during their formative years, from grade seven to twelve, to provide them with the life skills and resources to become responsible adults, productive citizens, and successful leaders. Our six year Academy will track our students through their educational experience and teach students the necessary skills to deal with the many challenges a young adult faces.  Our Academy will consist of various programs and workshops that will teach personal responsibility, self-worth, respect of others, teamwork, and accountability for one’s own actions.  YEA's programs and workshops will focus on dealing with peer pressure, avoiding risky behavior, building better relationships, encouraging positive behavior, promoting educational success, and realizing one's potential. 

Through the Academy, students will develop social skills and habits to discover and develop their natural talent and reach their life goals.   While providing the tools and teaching the skills necessary to be successful in every challenge these young adults will face, the Academy will focus on instilling and reiterating the core virtues of the Lakota and preserving the Lakota culture.  Students in the Academy will create lifelong relationships with their peers and mentors while working toward high school graduation.  At the completion of the Academy, our students will be ready to step into adulthood as a confident, ambitious, and skilled leader.