Youth Service America

Youth Service America is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote volunteerism and community service among youth in the United States and around the world, with support from National Geographic, Disney, and Microsoft. Founded by Steven A. Culbertson in 1986, the organization has worked with UNICEF, American Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity to provide opportunities for young people to engage in service-learning and community development projects, inspired by the work of Jane Addams and Martin Luther King Jr.. With a strong focus on youth empowerment and social responsibility, Youth Service America has partnered with NASA, National Park Service, and United Nations to promote global citizenship and sustainable development, as envisioned by Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai. The organization has also collaborated with Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley to advance research and policy in the field of youth development, building on the work of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.

● History

Youth Service America was founded in 1986 by Steven A. Culbertson, with initial support from Ford Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The organization's early work focused on promoting youth volunteerism and community service in the United States, with partnerships with Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and 4-H. In the 1990s, Youth Service America expanded its reach to include international programs, working with UNESCO, World Health Organization, and International Rescue Committee to support youth development and community development projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, inspired by the work of Mahatma Gandhi and Desmond Tutu. The organization has also been influenced by the work of John Dewey and Maria Montessori in the field of education.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of Youth Service America is to promote youth empowerment and social responsibility through service-learning and community development projects, with a focus on education, health, and environmental conservation, as outlined by United Nations Development Programme and World Bank. The organization's objectives include increasing youth participation in volunteerism and community service, improving youth outcomes in education and employment, and promoting global citizenship and sustainable development, as envisioned by Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon. Youth Service America also aims to support youth-led initiatives and social entrepreneurship projects, with partnerships with Ashoka, Skoll Foundation, and Echoing Green, inspired by the work of Bill Drayton and Jeff Skoll.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

Youth Service America offers a range of programs and initiatives to support youth development and community development, including service-learning projects, volunteerism opportunities, and youth leadership training, with support from National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and U.S. Department of Education. The organization's programs include Youth Service Day, Global Youth Service Day, and Semester of Service, which provide opportunities for young people to engage in community service and service-learning projects, inspired by the work of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Youth Service America also offers grant opportunities and technical assistance to support youth-led initiatives and social entrepreneurship projects, with partnerships with Case Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

● Impact_and_Achievements

Youth Service America has had a significant impact on youth development and community development in the United States and around the world, with support from USAID, European Union, and Australian Government. The organization's programs and initiatives have engaged millions of young people in volunteerism and community service, with a focus on education, health, and environmental conservation, as outlined by Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals. Youth Service America has also supported youth-led initiatives and social entrepreneurship projects, with partnerships with Social Venture Partners, New Profit Inc., and Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, inspired by the work of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. The organization's work has been recognized by White House, U.S. Congress, and United Nations, with awards and recognition from National Association of Social Workers, American Psychological Association, and International Association for Volunteer Effort.

● Partnerships_and_Collaborations

Youth Service America has partnered with a range of organizations to support youth development and community development, including nonprofit organizations, corporations, and government agencies, such as American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and National Council of La Raza. The organization has worked with UNICEF, American Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity to provide opportunities for young people to engage in service-learning and community development projects, inspired by the work of Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter. Youth Service America has also collaborated with Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley to advance research and policy in the field of youth development, building on the work of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. The organization has also partnered with Google, Facebook, and Twitter to promote youth empowerment and social responsibility through social media and technology, inspired by the work of Mark Zuckerberg and Sergey Brin.

● Awards_and_Recognition

Youth Service America has received numerous awards and recognition for its work in promoting youth empowerment and social responsibility, including the National Award for Social Entrepreneurship and the International Award for Youth Development, presented by World Economic Forum and Clinton Global Initiative. The organization has been recognized by White House, U.S. Congress, and United Nations for its contributions to youth development and community development, with support from Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton. Youth Service America has also received awards from National Association of Social Workers, American Psychological Association, and International Association for Volunteer Effort, inspired by the work of Jane Addams and Martin Luther King Jr.. The organization's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Forbes, with recognition from Forbes 400 and Fortune 500. Category:Youth organizations