We believe youth are uniquely equipped to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Youth as Solutions (YAS) is a national program that utilizes service-learning as a strategy to engage students in generating positive change in their communities. It provides professional development for adult K-12 educators in schools and nonprofits, youth leadership development for students, and monthly support and resources – including $1000 grants – for service-learning implementation during the school year!

Qualities of Successful Applicants

  • A Leadership Team of two youth and one adult committed to work in partnership to make change in their school and community. The Leadership Team will recruit a Site Team, or a larger group of youth, to work on the project (i.e., an entire class, club, etc.).

  • A sponsoring organization that is a school or nonprofit 501(c)3 organization to provide support and act as fiscal agent.

  • Organized, responsive, and dedicated individuals that will follow through from Fall – Spring.

  • Commitment to tackling an issue important to your community, working with the community and national experts to bring about positive change.

Requirements

  • Leadership team attends: the virtual kick-off orientation, the virtual International Service-Learning Forum in the Fall, and virtual trainings once a month to help teams grow and connect! (Site Team members are also highly encouraged to attend.)

  • Site Team members will conduct a community investigation, submit a service-learning project plan, and implement the project plan to address an issue in your community.

  • Communicate through Google Classroom with NYLC staff and other teams in your cohort.

  • All youth Site Team Members must complete both a pre and post survey to measure impacts.

  • Help share your story locally, regionally, and nationally! NYLC is proud to promote the amazing work your youth-led team is doing to produce positive change in your community!

Benefits

  • Opportunity to make a difference in your community!

  • Leadership experience (gain service hours, build your resumé, and much more).

  • Professional development for educators and students on high-quality service-learning and youth leadership topics.

  • $1,000 grants to implement the project in your community.

  • Opportunity to present at the National Service-Learning Conference (for selected teams, registration and travel expenses are paid for two youth and one adult)!

  • National recognition by the National Youth Leadership Council and other partners

The application period for the 2022-23 school year is closed. Please check back in the fall!

“The best thing about participating in this program was giving our young students the opportunity to lead. From identifying the problem, to working on finding a solution, our students were in the forefront of all the work they achieved. Our students came up with amazing ideas and the final product of their project will have a lasting impact in their school P.S. 207 and their community.”

P.S. 207 | 2022-23 Youth as Solutions Education in Action Team