Youth Service America
Our Work
Our primary role is to convene a partner coalition that will collaborate to collectively activate youth – especially those in middle and high school and in under-served communities who aren’t usually asked to participate.
We convene partner coalitions of:
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K-12 schools, colleges and universities;
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Youth development, afterschool, and extracurricular programs; and
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Community and faith-based organizations, government agencies, national service programs, volunteer centers, etc.
Our team is a vital part of increasing youth participation in their communities by engaging youth as volunteers for the first time on national days of service.
ServiceVote 2024
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MLK Day of Service
The MLK Day of Service is observed as a "day on, not a day off." MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a "Beloved Community." Youth ages 5-25 are invited to participate with us and perform community service projects.
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9/11 Day of Service
September 11, 2025 is the Anniversary of that tragic day. Join us on 9/11 Day of Service - step forward to serve in a remarkable spirit of unity, honor, and compassion. Remember, even a small act of service is a giant act of patriotism.
Youth Service America (YSA) believes that young people, communities, and democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. We're on a mission to make working together for the common good the common expectation and common experience of every young person in America.
Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out of actively working together for the common good. The goal of the 50by250 campaign is to double youth participation rates in volunteering & service, voting & civic engagement, and joining & leadership to 50% by America250 in 2026.
As you start to think about your New Year's resolutions, we ask that you join the 50% Youth Participation by America 250 campaign - powered by YSA and supported by The Allstate Foundation - by signing the Declaration of Participation by December 31. More than 500 local, statewide, and national organizations have already joined the campaign.
50by250 Partners will receive access to a resources (including a new Youth Participation Clearinghouse to be launched in 2023), networking opportunities, and preference for YSA grant and award programs.