YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) is leadership through environmental service. Founded in 1989 as a partnership between one high school and the YMCA of Greater Seattle, YESC has grown over the last 30 years to become a core leadership program of the YMCA of the USA. In Seattle and surrounding communities, YESC serves more than 1000 high school and middle school participants annually through school-based environmental education and service-learning clubs, outdoor stewardship opportunities and trips, & leadership events. The YESC program model addresses the critical need for young people to increase environmental knowledge, adopt stewardship practices, & take a hands-on role in addressing our communities’ environmental issues. YESC accomplishes these goals through a program that combines school-based environmental clubs, service-learning projects, outdoor opportunities and regional environmental education events into a comprehensive model that minimizes barriers to participation and allows for engagement of diverse populations. YESC fosters strong relationships, empowers youth to be effective leaders, & engages them in outdoor experiences and hands-on volunteerism that increases environmental knowledge, instills stewardship behaviors, & addresses the environmental issues facing the Puget Sound community. AmeriCorps Members serving with YESC are a key part of the program as they engage & empower young people while supporting environmental learning, innovative service projects, leadership development & cross-cultural awareness. Learn more at ymcaearthservicecorps.org. This is a 10.5 month position. There are 6 positions available with YMCA of Greater Seattle. A stipend of $1,945.23 is provided and an education award is available for members who successfully complete their service term.This position is contingent on funding.

Member Duties : Members will: • Implement a high quality positive youth development program with teens. • Develop school partnerships by identifying sites, fostering relationships, connecting with volunteers, and recruiting teen participants. • Serve with 5-6 middle or high school environmental service clubs over the school year. • Facilitate engaging environmental education, leadership, and cross-cultural awareness activities that foster stewardship behaviors and positive character development. • Coordinate with youth leaders to plan and implement environmental service-learning projects. • Plan and facilitate regional environmental projects and outdoor opportunities including habitat restoration, day hikes, snowshoeing, kayaking, and educational field trips. • Plan four regional events including an Environmental Leaders Summit, Environmental Symposium and two Eco-Retreats. • Develop leadership skills, civic involvement, environmental awareness, and stewardship behaviors in youth.

Website link here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=80574&fromSearch=true#new_tab