Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.) is a home to 10-14 student-led community engagement programs that provide opportunities for HSU students to volunteer in local school and community sites.
Since 1968, Y.E.S. student leaders have initiated over 70 programs to address community needs and support community organizations. Student leaders and volunteers contribute their impressive time, talent and passion to Y.E.S. programs and report gaining hands-on learning, new skills, friendship and support, and self-discovery.
Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.) - Spring Announcement
With HSU’s continuation of the hybrid of online and in-person education during spring semester, we want to outline Y.E.S. plans and opportunities. Y.E.S. will be operating virtually during spring 2020. While our office will be physically closed this semester, Y.E.S. staff and student leaders are excited to continue virtual community engagement projects with local schools and organizations.
Join a Y.E.S. program and make a positive difference in the Humboldt community from wherever you are learning this semester!
Y.E.S. will offer phone and Zoom appointments to support student, program and community needs. Please contact the staff members below with questions or to arrange an appointment:
Melea Smith (Y.E.S. Coordinator): mjs1393@humboldt.edu or (707) 826-5578
Y.E.S. Front Desk Staff: yes@humboldt.edu or (707) 826-4965
Volunteer Participation
- Attend weekly virtual program meeting (1-hour/week) *meeting times listed blow
- Team building, reflection, core issues workshops and program planning
- Engage in virtual volunteer projects (1-2 hours/week)
- Students who engage consistently in both weekly meetings and engagement can comfortably log 25 hours this semester (more in some cases depending on remote volunteer projects)
- Semester-long volunteers must register for the affiliated Y.E.S. 1-unit course or verify they are enrolled in a service learning or academic internship course (using Y.E.S. as their field placement site) by the add/drop deadline: 2/8/21
Virtual Community Engagement Opportunities
Pen Pal Project:
HSU & Y.E.S. students will participate in letter-writing experiences, initially with 5th grade classes. Letters provide an opportunity for K-12 students to improve communication skills while learning about the college experience.
Several Y.E.S. programs will participate in the Pen Pal project, connecting with local children and youth while exploring the themes of their particular Y.E.S. program.
This project is part of the HSU initiative ConnectED, an effort organized by Center for Community Based Learning (CCBL), Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.), Early Outreach Admissions and HSU academic departments. In the wake of pandemic closures, ConnectED provides opportunities for HSU students and faculty to support local K-12 students and educators.
Program Specific Engagement Projects
Several Y.E.S. programs will continue to engage in mission-based virtual activities with their regular school or community sites. Volunteers will participate in research, lesson planning and remote connections with program participants in Humboldt County.
Volunteers will build connections with and provide support for children, youth and elders through Zoom sessions.
Overview of Y.E.S. Programs and Virtual Spring Projects
Art Recreation Theater (ART):
Weekly meetings - Wednesday, 6-7pm
Boost creativity in children through art, recreation and theater activities
Virtual project: Pen Pal Program with local 5th-8th grade students
Environmental Education (EE):
Weekly meetings - Tuesday, 6-7pm
Explore nature and environmental issues with children/community groups through workshops and activities
Virtual project: Pen Pal Program with local 5th-8th grade students. Environmental enrichment packets for Jefferson Community Center.
Golden Years (GY):
Weekly meetings - Tuesday, 6-7pm
Companionship & connection with local elders (senior citizens)
Virtual project: letter writing with/for seniors
Hand in Hand (HnH):
Weekly meetings - Wednesday, 6-7pm
Engage in fun, enriching activities with children living with foster families
Virtual project: Pen Pal Program with local 5th-8th grade students
Juvenile Hall Recreation Program (JHRP):
Weekly meetings - Thursday, 6-7pm
Establish connections with youth who are incarcerated
Virtual project: Research or virtual programming related to incarcerated youth
Puentes:
Weekly meetings - Wednesday, 5-6pm
Bridge the cultural gap between Spanish and English-speaking communities
Virtual project: Pen Pal Program with local 5th-8th grade students
Queer Mentoring Advocacy Program (QMAP):
Weekly meetings - Wednesday, 5-6pm
Empower and support queer youth and allies
Virtual programming: LGBTQ advocacy, support and collaborations with HSU campus community. Pen Pal letters with local 5th-8th grade students.
Study Buddies (SB):
Weekly meetings - Thursday, 6-7pm
Free one-on-one or small group homework help
Virtual project: Pen Pal Program with local 5th-8th grade students. Math and reading enrichment packets for youth at Jefferson Community Center.
Youth Mentoring Program (YMP):
Weekly meetings - Wednesday, 5-6pm
Be a positive role model through one-on-one mentorship with a local child
Virtual project: Pen Pal Program with local 5th-8th grade students
