What is the Youth Volunteer Corps of America?
Mission Statement
To create and increase volunteer opportunities to enrich youth, address community needs and develop a lifetime commitment to service.
Four Goals
- To engage young people in service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational.
- To serve the unmet needs of the community and its residents.
- To promote among young people a greater understanding & appreciation for the diversity of their community.
- To promote a lifetime ethic of service among young people.
Fundamental Components
First launched in 1987, the YVC model has since been established in communities nationwide. Programs are sponsored locally by diverse community-based organizations such as Volunteer Centers, Hands On, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Camp Fire, United Way, City Parks & Recreation and school districts. Funding is provided by foundations, corporations, individuals, United Ways, and local and federal government. The program consists of two fundamental components:
- Summer Component
In the summer, youth volunteer on teams supervised by trained Team Leaders and work on extended projects, days or weeks long, that allow them to see larger outcomes accomplished. The intensive design of the summer component reinforces teamwork, appreciation for diversity and civic responsibility. - School-Year Component
During the school year, YVC Program Directors, AmeriCorps members and staff work closely with teachers to design and implement age-appropriate service projects that tie school curriculum to community service. In addition, young people from throughout the community work together on service projects after school, on weekends and during school breaks.
