For more information

Gina Garcia
Youth Corps Program
Director

(408) 287-9919 x18

Youth Corps inspires and develops young people through an after-school study and service work program that benefits the environment and community.

The Program

Through a partnership with Andrew Hill and Independence High Schools, the program identifies at-risk students and offers them the opportunity to serve their community, while earning graduation credits and an income to help themselves and their families. Under supervision of qualified Youth Corps Leaders, the program motivates students to stay in school, explore career options, and become positively involved in their community.

The after-school program meets Monday through Thursday and provides 1 hour of homework assistance and 2 hours of paid community work designed to include environmental education, life-skills training, and career and higher education exploration. Additionally students participate in 2 cultural/educational field trips each month (on Fridays). Through this program, students earn an hourly wage of $7.50 for paid work experience and up to 10 graduation units per semester.

During the summer program, students work Monday through Friday on beautification and safety projects in San Jose’s parks and schools and receive 4 hours per day of paid work at $7.50 per hour and up to 5 graduation units for work experience.

Academic and Experiential Learning

Youth Corps provides both academic and experiential educational opportunities. Students study in a structured tutorial, receiving the additional support needed to complete their required school assignments. Service work projects, connected to community needs and environmental conservation, include: recycling; organic gardening; trimming and pruning at San Jose parks; trash pick-ups at parks and schools; work at local community organizations such as MACLA, the Humane Society and the Bring-Me-A-Book Foundation.

Youth Corps helps students to envision positive career and educational goals for themselves through career development and higher education exploration. Activities include: special presentations from outside speakers, college tours, and job-skills training (such as interview and resume instruction).

Life skills workshops are also a part of Youth Corps; helping students to deal with issues relevant to their experiences including discussions and exercises about teen pregnancy, drug use, conflict resolution, and communication.

Benefits to the Community, and the Youth

Through partnerships with the City of San Jose and community organizations, Youth Corps improves the safety and beauty of San Jose’s open spaces and supports other community-based organizations in their mission to improve the community and help those in need.

In the process, Youth Corps benefits youth directly by boosting students’ academic grades and performance, building self-esteem, encouraging teamwork, providing opportunities to gain on-the-job skills, and providing a healthy alternative to negative after-school behaviors.

Youth Corps Staff

First and foremost are the Youth Corps Leaders, who come to us from across the United States to provide a year of service to at-risk youth in San Jose. In addition to planning daily activities, tutoring, and supervising the students in the Youth Corps program, Youth Corps Leaders assist the community in several ways. During the morning hours Youth Corps Leaders lend their talents to SJCC and other community agencies providing much needed services including tutoring of adult corps members, development assistance, volunteer management, and much more.

Overseeing each new group of Youth Corps Leaders is the three person staff. Two Program Coordinators oversee the program at each school, along with the Youth Corps Program Director. Together the staff members serve as liaisons to the school, offer training and support to the team of Youth Corps Leaders, and steer the program toward its long term goals.

How to Become Involved in Youth Corps

Apply to be a Youth Corps Member

Andrew Hill Students: applications are available in the Counseling Office.

Independence Students: applications are available in the Student Support Center.

Apply to be a Youth Corps Leader

Youth Corps Leaders give an 11-month term of service to the Youth Corps Program, from September through July, and are eligible to earn an AmeriCorps Education Award. Applications are accepted year-round.

Volunteer

Youth Corps welcomes volunteers to the program who can contribute a specific expertise (e.g. organic gardening experience) or who wish to help tutor students. Interested individuals should contact the Youth Corps Office.

Donate

Youth Corps accepts donations, both financial and in-kind, in support of program activities and services. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.