Youth Employment Skills program

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
A new program allows high school-aged dependents of active duty Air Force members, or others qualified under Title 10, to earn money for future education while learning valuable work skills and serving their base communities.

The Youth Employment Skills (YES) Program is an on-base youth volunteer program funded by the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) and jointly administered by AFAS and Airman and Family Services Flight.

"This program has provided students with important job employment skills that will offer them the work experience they will need for future endeavors," said Amy Wenrich, Youth Center program assistant. "This program also allows for youth to gain important skills, such as responsibility, accountability and pride in their work."

The YES program allows all certified and enrolled high school students to "bank" volunteer dollar credits toward their post-secondary education or training at a rate of $4 per hour volunteered in an on-base position. Students may accumulate as many as 250 hours, for a potential $1,000 maximum, over all four years of school combined.

"It's a great opportunity for youth to earn money towards their future education," said Wenrich. "I wish I had an opportunity to earn money towards my own education. This experience will also provide youth with job employment skills that will benefit them beyond their education."

Also, the participating base youth program will "bank" base community credits at a rate of $2 for every hour volunteered per student, up to a maximum of $10,000 per program year. "Program year" is defined as the 12-month period from June 1 through May 31 of each year.

A minimum of 25 volunteer hours, or $100 in credits, must be "banked" for any disbursement of funds. All credits will be given in the form of grant funds.

Students who wish to participate must sign a written agreement, developed at base level, of volunteer status. They must also submit a YES position description and YES enrollment application completed by both the student volunteer and sponsoring parent, to the base youth director.

For more information, stop by the Youth Center or call 781-225-6043.