Youth Volunteer Corps

About the Youth Volunteer Corps

First launched in 1987 in Kansas, the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of America model has since been established in communities nationwide. Programs are sponsored locally by diverse community-based organizations such as Volunteer Centers, HandsOn Affiliates, 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 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 staff and partners work closely with youth to design and implement age-appropriate service projects that meet school 
and community service needs. In addition, young people from throughout the community work together on service projects after school, on weekends and during school breaks.
    •  

    Summer Component * School-Year Component

    Youth Volunteer Corps of the Corridor

    The Youth Volunteer Corps of the Corridor (YVCC) is a local affiliate of the YVC of America under which The Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County administers youth volunteer programs.  The mission of the YVCC is: "To create and increase volunteer opportunities to enrich youth in our community, address local needs and develop a lifetime commitment to service."

    The goals of the organization are four-fold:

       
    • To engage young people in service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational.
    • To serve the unmet needs of our 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.

    Summer Component

       Volunteer Summer Serve 2012 Leadership Challenge Program

    This program for students entering 8th-10th grade is conducted by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks in collaboration with the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County. The Volunteer Summer Serve Leadership Challenge (V.S.S.L.C.) program is designed to provide mature youth a structured environment, with an opportunity to gain volunteer leadership.  Participants will be given the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of different settings, which include working with individuals with disabilities, park conservation and clean up, and working with other community agencies. Participants will need to be able to communicate and work well with others in a team-building atmosphere. In addition to their volunteering, participants will attend lectures, field trips, and other activities which assist in teaching skills in leadership and decision-making.

     

    The program is typically conducted four times in two-week sessions during June, July, and August and applicant are given the choice of applying for one, two, three, or all four sessions. Applicants must have completed (at least) the 7th grade by June of 2012. As part of the application process applicants must fill out and submit an application form, provide references, include a written essay, and be interviewed prior to acceptance into the program.

    As a volunteer, this experience is an opportunity to earn community service hours. Once you complete ALL the requirements for the V.S.S.L.C. program you will receive a letter of completion and a certificate of hours earned. You may use this as experience when you begin to interview for employment in any field, apply for college, and utilize what you have learned in various aspects throughout your life.

    For more information about applying contact Wendy S. Scarborough, Anne Arundel Dept. of Recreation and Parks, at 410-222-7313.

    School-Year Component

       FLEX Volunteer Leadership Program

    Looking to gain leadership experience? Then join the FLEX Volunteer Leadership Program. This program works to create small, recurring projects for non-profit organizations in Anne Arundel County. Your role as a FLEX Project Leader is very important. You are the face of the Volunteer Center to the volunteers at the projects and are our representative to the community organizations. Since our volunteers mostly find us online, you may be the first person from the Volunteer Center they come in contact with. You will help motivate volunteers to make positive changes in the community and will work with us to make sure that every volunteer project meets the needs of the community organizations and provides volunteers with a meaningful volunteer experience. Volunteers must be 16 or older to apply. To learn more...