Since its inception, NYPUM has proven to be highly effective at helping at-risk youth; children that have significant challenges with their behavior or academic performance. In more recent years, NYPUM has demonstrated that its sevices are also valuable as a prevention program to motivate all youth to make postive choices. This versatility allows NYPUM to adapt to the needs of every youth participant.

A key component to NYPUM's success is its capability to hold youth accountable for their decisions. In NYPUM, youth earn every ride by achieving specific goals in their individual Success Plans. These plans are developed cooperatively by youth participants, their parents or guardians, and their NYPUM instructor. Success Plans target each participant's unique challenges by creating opportunites for success.

	Success Plans address things like academic performance, behavior in school or at home, or ability to meet curfews.
	Youth can also participate by doing environmental and community service projects, and by taking on responsibilities to develop leadership.