YES Opportunities, Inc.

About YES

Higher Education Scholarships

PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

Dorothy Rice-Cobbs (dorothycobbs@yesopportunities.org) is recognized as a visionary pioneer, having made her impact in the field of Rehabilitation for over 31 years. Dorothy’s initial employment began with the DC Public Schools Pupil Personnel as a counselor for school drop-outs. She served Prince George's and Montgomery counties as Rehabilitation Specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education. As a Rehabilitation Specialist, she utilized her expertise in counseling and placement for persons with disabilities. Additional work experience includes Manpower Director for CETA, City of Alexandria, VA, where she supervised employment and training for the unemployed. Dorothy also coordinated the Personal Adjustment Training Program for the deaf, which was funded by Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. She also has coordinated special job fairs and workshops for the unemployed.

Dorothy’s experience with persons with disabilities was enhanced as a result of her academic preparation. She matriculated at St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree and subsequently earned her Master of Arts Degree from Gallaudet University, in Rehabilitation Counseling, specializing in deafness. Dorothy did further study at George Washington University in Washington, DC and Mississippi State University, Stark ton, MI.

Dorothy has given financial support to a community center, for the American Legion, Post 269, Sharptown, Maryland. She established a computer center at a church within Deal Island Charge, which is located on the Eastern Shore, Maryland. Other special projects include funding for the "Center for Feeding the Homeless" for her family church in Elizabeth City, NC.

She established a scholarship fund at Alfred Street Baptist Church in 1992 in the beloved memory of her youngest son, Derrick. The scholarship fund has provided financial assistance for 20 college students. Derrick was attending college and employed part-time at the U.S. State Department prior to his homecoming. A second scholarship fund has also been established in memory of Derrick with PGCAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, of which she is a member. She was an integral part of the church’s many ministries, and has held many leadership positions. Dorothy also has provided monetary resources for special projects at ASBC. Currently she resides in Florida and attends Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Ocala, Florida.

She has received numerous awards for Community Service work in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority presented her with the Fortitude Award. Recently, the PG County Omega Psi Phi Fraternity recognized Dorothy for Education and community services participation. In June 2007, she received the Richard Anderson Community Service Award. It was presented to her by the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in Gainsville, FL.

She is the proud mother of one son, Preston Jr., and a daughter-in-law Dana Marie.