About Us

/About Us
About Us2022-05-23T17:35:28+00:00

Welcome to YEEP

For more than 16 years, the Youth Educational Empowerment Program (YEEP) has served the Wichita Community by offering free workshops and presentations to area schools, organizations, and churches.

Our vision is to “strengthen communities by empowering people to build wealth.”

What is YEEP

The Youth Educational Empowerment Program’s primary objective is to teach financial literacy; but, we do so much more. Individuals that have participated in our program are empowered to refine their natural talents, so they can become contributing citizens in our society.

The Youth Educational Empowerment Program is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that teaches financial literacy to those from the ages of birth to 24 years of age, and their families, with a special emphasis in lower to moderate income communities; thus, empowering them to set goals that they may be financially fit for a most productive future.

We believe that financial literacy should be a core subject taught in the beginning of one’s educational journey. If we equip our youth with strong financial principles, as they grow into their adult lives, they will have the knowledge and resources to avoid bad financial pitfalls. With the knowledge used, our economy will have a better tomorrow.

The Youth Educational Empowerment Program started by working with a Wichita Credit Union whose focus was on developing communities in low-income areas. While working with the credit union and teaching financial literacy, the demand for financial education expanded further than the four zip code areas that the credit union served. Subsequently, the Youth Educational Empowerment Program was formed. Since 1997, YEEP has presented in Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Texas, just to name a few.

Testimonials

I wanted to thank you for coming… and teaching us about our financial success. I thought I would let you know, I bought my first car last night, and I was so happy. I started saving my money when you first started to come and talk to us. The whole time that you were here, it has helped me so much. Thanks so much.

Becky L

…. I would like to say that I am a huge believer in the message Marquis is sharing as well as a huge believer in the person delivering the message. Marquis has had a positive impact on our students and their level of financial knowledge.

Bruce D.

Mr. Murphy is a good public and motivational speaker.

Margueriette H.

I liked that it really thought me the best way to be financially successful. I’m in JROTC and they teach us everything but budgeting. lt was really helpful to hear that just by saving a little at a time can mean a lot more in the end. All in all, this is a wonderful program and has helped me a lot.

Leigha K.

I like how he didn’t just come and just talk about the way the program is good. I liked the fact that he made it interesting and related it to his life, and showed us how just doing something so small like saving a penny a day can make you a millionaire in the future.

TaShawna B.

][I liked] the final project because it was challenging and made me goal-oriented and realize what I wanted to do in life. I also liked the fact that Mr. Murphy was very enthusiastic and eager to help us learn and I appreciate him for always being there. Thank you, Mr. Murphy.

Zakk B

This program really helped me. My goal was to get a job and save for a car. Now that i have a job, I have saved over $300.

Samanthe A.

The thing I liked the most was the way the instructor explained the lessons; he got to the point and we understood it right then and there.

Monica G

It showed me what I needed to do to get to a goal, and how to set it up.

Orsa M.

I liked how he would interact with us and keep us awake because it was very early in the morning.

Amanada J.

Meet Our Team

Marquis Murphy
Marquis MurphyCEO / President
Ricky Lasley, Jr
Ricky Lasley, JrVice President

Our Accomplishments

  • WORKED WITH USD 259 TO HELP MAKE FINANCIAL LITERACY MANDATORY FOR GRADUATION

  • CREATED PRESENTATIONS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TEACHING THEM TO SAVE

  • WORKED WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS SO TEENS CAN OPEN THEIR OWN ACCOUNTS AT A HIGHER INTEREST RATE

  • ESTABLISHED A COMMUNITY-WIDE SAVINGS CAMPAIGN

  • PUBLISHED A BOOK THAT TEACHES KIDS THE VALUE OF MONEY AND HOW TO COUNT IT

Future Goals

  • EXPAND THE PRINT OF TEENVIEW MAGAZINE

  • CREATE “LIVE” TRAVELING EXHIBITS

  • HOST VARIES EXPOS

  • DEVELOP UNIQUE ONLINE TRAINING