Guided by empowerment and ecological theories, the

Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES) program facilitates character

development through activities based in cultural differences, team

building, and social change. This pilot study consisted of two focus

groups (n = 13) of middle school youth conducted after their

participation in an abbreviated version of the YES program.

Specifically, the present study examined youth’s cross-cultural

perspectives after participation. The focus groups were transcribed

and coded for emergent themes using Heaton’s (2005)

supplementary data analysis framework. Qualitative analysis

resulted in two emergent themes: 1) enhanced appreciation for

similarities and differences in cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and

2) the role of respect in understanding differences and confronting

stereotypes. Specifically, youth reported that engagement in this

program fostered positive awareness of cultural differences and

respect for inter-ethnic relationships. The findings provide support

for the benefits of the YES program on moral development and

promotion of healthy peer relationships.