Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.)

 
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.

Sign Up to Volunteer in a Y.E.S Program

Y.E.S. Programs

Y.E.S. Programs

Semester-Long Programs

Semester-Long Programs

Semester-long volunteer programs are directed by YES student leaders. Volunteers join a YES program and regularly engage with a team at local school and community sites. This is a great option for students who wish to explore their passions, gain career or job experience, make a positive impact in the community, or make new friendships. 

Weekly time commitment: 2-3 hours

  • Program meeting (1-hour)
  • Community-based volunteering (1-2 hours)

Students must sign up by completing the “Volunteer Interest Form” and register by the add/drop date (3rd Monday of the semester) to secure a spot in a semester-long program. 

Benefits 

  • Learn & bond with peers during weekly workshops
  • Create meaningful connections with community participants & partners
  • Earn 1-unit or use Y.E.S. as field placement for service learning/internship course

One-Time & Low Commitment Volunteer Opportunities

One-Time & Low Commitment Volunteer Opportunities

We have plenty of opportunities for students who are unable to commit to a full semester of volunteering! Some of those opportunities include:

Large Scale Volunteer Events

Large Scale Volunteer Events

We host a large volunteer event once a semester to provide an opportunity for our campus community to come out and volunteer together. These volunteer days typically include a volunteer project, reflection and snacks! Bring your friends, your student organization, or your roommates out for a day of volunteering!

Large Scale YES Volunteer Events Include: 

Fall 2021: Hybrid Volunteer Programming at Y.E.S.

Fall 2021: Hybrid Volunteer Programming at Y.E.S.

With campus opening up for Fall 2021, we are exploring opportunities for our volunteer programs. As we get approval for different volunteer sites, we will continue updating this section. We anticipate offering both virtual and limited in-person volunteer opportunities. 

Virtual & Limited In-Person Community Engagement Opportunities

Pen Pal Project:

HSU & Y.E.S. students will participate in letter-writing experiences with 4-6th 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 and restrictions, ConnectED provides opportunities for HSU students and faculty to support local K-12 students and educators.

Learn more about ConnectED and check out YES Pen Pal letters here!

Program Specific Engagement Projects - TBD for Fall 2021

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 virtual and (possibly) limited in-person projects. 

Overview of Y.E.S. Programs and Virtual Fall Projects

Art Recreation Theater (ART):  

Boost creativity in children through art, recreation and theater activities 

Virtual project: Pen Pal Program with local 5th-8th grade students

Environmental Education (EE):

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):

Companionship & connection with local elders (senior citizens) 

Virtual project: letter writing with/for seniors

Hand in Hand (HnH):

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):

Establish connections with youth who are incarcerated

Virtual project: TBD

Puentes:

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):

Empower and support queer youth and allies

Virtual programming: TBD. LGBTQ advocacy, support and collaborations with HSU campus community.

Study Buddies (SB):

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):

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 

Semester-Long Volunteer Expectations (Fall 2021)

  • Attend weekly program meeting (1-hour/week) *Zoom meetings
    • Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings between 5-7pm
    • Learn, reflect and bond with peers during workshops
  • Engage in community-based volunteer projects (1-2 hours/week)
    • Volunteer teams establish set weekly time to engage in virtual or in-person projects
  • Students who engage consistently in both weekly meetings and engagement can comfortably log 25-30 hours this semester
  • 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: 9/6/21

Speaker Series

Speaker Series

Each year we host a Speaker Series to help the students, staff, faculty to learn more about community engagement beyond University. Past speakers have included community organizers from Humboldt Area Foundation, True North, and Y.E.S. Alumni!

For Information on our upcoming speakers, go here: https://yes.humboldt.edu/speaker-series


Y.E.S., in partnership with the HSU
Library, has published a book highlighting
5 decades of student leadership &
community engagement!

YES Book
Available for purchase on Amazon or download
for free via the HSU Press digital commons

Contracts

YES Youth Educational Services Logo

Contact Y.E.S.

Meet Humboldt State's Y.E.S.

Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.) - Fall 2021 Announcement

Welcome to Y.E.S.! Thank you for your interest in our community engagement center and volunteer programs. 

With HSU’s continuation of hybrid programming (face-to-face and virtual education), Y.E.S. is still finalizing volunteer programming for fall semester. We anticipate offering  both virtual volunteer opportunities and a few limited in-person volunteer options.

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: