Teens looking for summer experience might say YES to AFAS program

  • Published
  • By Krista Stark
  • Hilltop Times correspondent
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Students looking to earn money for college and a reason to get off the couch this summer may look no further then the Youth Employment Skills Program (YES Program).

The program sponsored by the Youth Center and the Air Force Aid Society helps student's grades 9-12 to earn money for post- secondary education and give back to the community by volunteering.

"It's a really great program because it teaches job skills like computer knowledge. And it helps them learn about careers they might be interested in," said Drew Ulsh, assistant director and teen coordinator for the Youth Center.

The Yes Program allows students to volunteer at various base agencies at a rate of $4 per hour and over the course of 4 years students have the potential to earn $1,000 to go toward post-secondary education. The Youth Center also earns $2 for every hour each student volunteers.

Once the students have graduated from high school the money earned is dispersed directly to the institution of the student's choosing.

Emily Gates, a sophomore at Northridge High School, has been participating in the program since last summer and said she's enjoyed her experience volunteering at the Youth Center.

"Its fun; people should join," said Gates, "It's been a really good experience because you get to work in all atmospheres."

Students in the program are able to volunteer at many various base agencies including but not limited to: Airman and Family and Readiness Center, library, Youth Center, golf course, Outdoor Recreation and Public Affairs.

"I plan to get better at public speaking and learn how to help others," said Austin Johnson, a ninth-grader at Syracuse Junior High school, who has played sports with children at the youth center for two years.

The eligibility requirements are that the student must be a high school student (grades 9-12) of active duty Air Force members and be enrolled full-time. The volunteer hours have to be completed on the base and must be approved first.

"You won't know what it is until you try it," said Hannah Chesmer, a sophomore at Northridge High School. "And besides, it looks good on job applications!"

For more information about the Yes Program please contact the Youth Center at (801) 777-2419 or stop by to pick up an application.