— Radical Student & Family Engagement

The Medina Method

The Medina Method is a student and family engagement approach that builds trust and strong relationships to help students stay in school, involve families, and create positive change in their communities.

Youth & Families Impacted

Years of Experience

Page Expert Curriculum

70+

Page curriculum
— About the curriculum

Medina Method

Daniel Medina's hands-on model (the ‘Medina Method’) combined with the street-credibility earned as a result of his background has helped him connect with and help turn around the lives of many “lost kids”. In 2006, YESS Institute piloted its peer-mentoring model at Lincoln High School with Daniel Medina serving as the Director for the program. He still runs the afterschool program at Lincoln today.

— About the workshops
In the Medina Method Workshop series, participants will learn about Daniel's philosophies on student and family engagement, discuss and practice successful strategies, and work collaboratively through scenario-based learning. Here are some other workshop topics:
  • Accountability & Trust
  • Relationship-Building
  • Restorative Practices
  • 'No Pobrecito' Philosophy
About the author

Daniel Medina

Daniel Medina left Denver’s Lincoln High School in his freshman year, became involved in gangs, and eventually ran away from home. By the age of 18, he was married, and by 30, he had six children.

Determined to change his life, he earned his GED, started his own construction business, and began volunteering as a sports coach. In 1999, as Lincoln High School struggled with gang-related issues, they invited him to take on the role of community and attendance liaison, as well as a coach. Daniel went out into the streets to bring non-attending students back to school, helped relocate influential negative peer leaders to alternative schools, and strengthened family engagement.
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What is the 'Medina Method'?

Daniel Medina is an invaluable and dedicated member of the YESS Institute team, serving as the Program Director at Lincoln High School and making a lasting impact on countless students, families, and community members since 2006.

Daniel Medina’s approach to family advocacy and student engagement was not formed in a classroom. It was shaped by his life experiences and his deep connection to the southwest Denver community. As someone who grew up facing the same challenges his students now face, Medina understands that real change comes from building trust, fostering accountability, and addressing the root causes of issues. His philosophy—“Heal the community, and you heal the school”—guides every step of his method.
Which training is best for you?

Choose your workshop

Single Session

A single 90 minute introductory session where Dan share's his expertise through a series of kkey lessons and his philosophy
  • Overview
  • Philosophy
  • Key lessons

Medina Masterclass

In the full Medina Masterclass, your team will have three 90-minute sessions where Dan takes you through the 7 key components for success
  • Coaching
  • Practical application through scenario-based learning
  • Paid phone call sessions for on the phone coaching 
  • 1x/week accountability calls

Daniel Medina's History

1999

Attendance Liaison at Lincoln High School

2005

Denver Public Library Highlight

2006

YESS Institute Program Director (Lincoln High School)

2012 

Featured in Academic Research - CU Boulder School of Education

2012

The Denver Post Peer Mentoring Program Highlight

2015

PBS Documentary: Standing in the Gap

2017

Denver Public Schools Honoree

2023 

CBS News Highlight - 23 Years of Coaching

2024

Authored 'The Medina Method'

Curriculum

2025

Keynote Speaker - Pueblo Mentoring Collective

"The Medina Method is about meeting students and families where they are. Whether it’s an unannounced home visit, a tough conversation with a parent, or creating a system that ensures students can succeed without excuses, this method works because it is personal, consistent, and honest. It’s not about sympathy or excuses; it’s about building relationships that create change."

- Lex Rodriguez

Ready to get started?

Connect with YESS Institute to learn more about The Medina Method and schedule your impactful workshop today!
— YESS Academy Newsletter

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