OUR MISSION
To provide families with children with diabetes with all the necessary resources to pursue higher education and their highest potential
WHY WE STARTED
In 2009, Darshana Prakasam was in the homestretch of college applications. She was down to filling out applications and writing her last few essays. At that time, she had a conversation with Brenda Pieper, founder of Target Type 1, which led to the formation of Yes2College. Upon finding out that Darshana was planning to attend college on the East Coast, Brenda commented that it would be really hard for Darshana's parents to deal with their daughter being so far away. She then added that it'd be even harder for her if her son were to go far away for college because she'd be constantly worried about him managing his diabetes. That's when it dawned on Darshana that families struggle with children leaving the nest, but it's a whole new host of considerations for parents of children with diabetes, or any chronic diseases for that matter.
Coincidentally, Brenda Pieper was looking for a cause to donate to with the last bit of funds left in Target Type 1. Having amassed quite a bit of research on colleges, Darshana realized that there was an opportunity to share the knowledge of the application process and bring in children with diabetes who had gone onto college to provide great examples of managing the disease after leaving home. After all the message at the core of her leadership program, MahaDarshan, was that knowledge, similar to a flame, does not diminish as it is shared.
On September 12, 2009, these ideas became a reality and the first Yes2College workshop was held in Sacramento, CA.
Coincidentally, Brenda Pieper was looking for a cause to donate to with the last bit of funds left in Target Type 1. Having amassed quite a bit of research on colleges, Darshana realized that there was an opportunity to share the knowledge of the application process and bring in children with diabetes who had gone onto college to provide great examples of managing the disease after leaving home. After all the message at the core of her leadership program, MahaDarshan, was that knowledge, similar to a flame, does not diminish as it is shared.
On September 12, 2009, these ideas became a reality and the first Yes2College workshop was held in Sacramento, CA.
MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Operation YES2College is a college preparatory workshop designed to motivate students to pursue higher education and their highest potential. It invites students with diabetes and their families to view presentations by college students with diabetes, admissions officers and others to show the benefits of college and the number of institutions and options are at their fingertips. By incorporating the aspect of coping with diabetes, Operation YES works to minimize any hampering effects the disease may have on the children in their quest for success. By allowing them to interact with other students and people who have accomplished their goals without being held back by their health, they can allow themselves to dream and envision great futures.
After the first workshop in 2009, Yes2College has been held annually every May. Every year has seen tremendous growth and increasingly positive feedback. It may have started out as a small project funded by Target Type I and organized by Darshana Prakasam, but it has turned into an annual event that students and parents alike anticipate with enthusiasm and interest.
After the first workshop in 2009, Yes2College has been held annually every May. Every year has seen tremendous growth and increasingly positive feedback. It may have started out as a small project funded by Target Type I and organized by Darshana Prakasam, but it has turned into an annual event that students and parents alike anticipate with enthusiasm and interest.