The first ever Houston Jones Day of Service at YES Prep is a resounding success

Client(s) Houston's Jones Day of Service

Approximately 35 Jones Day attorneys, summer associates, and staff volunteered at the first ever Houston Jones Day of Service on July 24, 2010 at YES Prep's north central campus, working side-by-side with YES Prep students and staff to create an outdoor classroom in the woods located on the grounds of the school. YES Prep is a public charter school that serves low-income children in the Houston area. 86% of the students qualify for free lunch programs and 100% of the school's graduates go on to attend college.

The day started off with introductory remarks from Jessica Caroe, the Director of Development at Yes Prep. Seven teams of volunteers then began tackling their respective tasks. Two teams were assigned with the task of clearing and laying mulch along a 280 foot long trail leading to an outdoor classroom in the woods. Other volunteers diligently worked to construct five benches for the outdoor classroom and a platform for teacher presentations. Jones Day volunteers and several YES Prep students also constructed and painted five bird and bat houses, which were hung in the trees along the trail and around the outdoor classroom. YES Prep plans to use the outdoor classroom for nature lessons and other group activities.

It was an exhilarating, exhausting, and very productive day. The volunteers weathered the summer heat and all of the projects were completed prior to our leaving Saturday afternoon. The school's teachers, staff, and students were overwhelmingly pleased with the results. Everyone came away a winner - and we were very proud to have provided YES Prep with an educational facility that will benefit students for years to come.