Youth Engaged in Service (YES) - Service Learning for Grades 6 to 12

"It really opened my eyes about the problems in Alexandria," says a program attendee after her three-day experience.

YES is a FREE program for youth that focuses on community engagement. Participants will learn more about social issues facing Alexandrians and how nonprofits address them, all while earning direct service and service-learning hours. We use the P.A.R.E. model (Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Evaluation), which provides a structured approach to high-quality service-learning experiences. We want students to embrace their discomfort, discuss it within a supportive community, and consider how they might live their lives differently due to the experience.

The program is a chance for students, grades 6 through 12, to learn about the issues facing their community and how to address them. Participants will engage with nonprofits, city agencies, and people from all walks of life as they earn service hours and explore career paths. Program FAQ.

Spring Program Dates

• Tuesday, March 31, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Interactive activities at St. Martin de Porres Senior Center and Community Lodgings
• Wednesday, April 1, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Environment Day, Gardening at Meade Memorial, and Invasive Plant Removal at Four Mile Run
• Friday, April 2, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Combatting Food Insecurity at ALIVE! and Carpenter's Shelter
• Saturday, April 25, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm - Earth Day Half Day, Macroinvertebrate Monitoring at Taylor Run

Lunch is provided on full days. We will take public transit between locations.

Pick which dates suit your schedule!

SIGN UP FOR YES SPRING BREAK HERE

Summer Program Dates

• Tuesday, June 16, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Wednesday, June 17, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Thursday, June 18, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

EXPRESS INTEREST FOR YES SUMMER BREAK HERE

Program Feedback: 9 out of 10 participants reported feeling more valued in the community after participating. Here is what some YES participants said about their experience:

• "I feel like I've made a change in Alexandria; I also have learned so much."

• "It made me feel good."

• "Today was the most impactful day because we got to see firsthand and help out people who need our help. It was impactful to see how thankful they were towards all of us."

• "He had an exceptional experience, and I’m so glad he got to be there. He told me it was one of the best things he’s done this summer. Thanks for having young volunteers and all you do for our community (and ALIVE!)." - a Parent. 

Donations are encouraged to support youth service activities throughout the summer. Donate TODAY!

Subscribe to the Youth & Family Newsletter for more information!

If your organization is interested in hosting a service project for YES, email bwi@volunteeralexandria.org

This program is partially funded by the Carlson Family Foundation, Fund for Human Service Organizations, and Dominion Energy.