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Home :: Teen Community Service Programs
Teen Community Service

Identity for Teen Center
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Edmund Burke

Through our Teen Community Service and Leadership Program, you can do your part to make the world a better place while having a fantastic time.

Whether you enjoy working with children or seniors, are interested in sports, arts, reading or tutoring or want to advocate for a social issue of concern, there are many opportunities to choose from.
If you like being part of a group, are willing to work hard and care about making a difference in the NYC community, then you're sure to have a great time participating in our community service activities. Teen Programs take place Monday through Friday after school.
For more information about volunteering opportunities, call 212.415.5614 / email.

Get in the Loop!
Get the latest volunteer opportunities and events sent straight to your email when you sign up for the 92nd Street Y's Teen Community Service newsletter.

About Teen Community Service and Leadership
General Community Service Programs
One-Shot Opportunities
Create a Service Proposal
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About Teen Community Service and Leadership


The 92nd Street Y's Teen Community Service and Leadership Program provides one of the most vital and dynamic community service programs for young people in New York City. Over 1000 high school and middle students in NYC participate throughout the school year in age appropriate projects. Our goal is to engage students in experiences within the community to deepen their understanding of social issues, strengthen their commitment, and inspire their dedication to caring for others and improving the world. Students are active participants in establishing program activities and making the project happen. In addition to programming at the Y, the Teen Center staff frequently works with high schools and middle schools to assist in the development of school-based community service programs.

· General Community Service Programs
· One-Shot Opportunities
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General Community Service Programs


We offer a wide variety of service programs to fit different interests, time commitments and age groups. We have activities for middle school students, high school students, as well as for both. We also have one-shot service opportunities that require only a one-time commitment.

For Middle School Students Only

Reading Circles
Tuesdays, Thursdays 4:30-6pm
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." (Dr. Seuss) Help children unfold the magic within books by reading aloud with them. Not only will they use their imagination, you'll unlock your's too!

For High School Students Only

Serve It Up!     New!
Mondays and/or Wednesdays 4-7pm
Over 300 hundred homeless individuals and families stop by the Yorkville Common Pantry for its dinner program. Throw in some elbow grease and help Pantry staff serve dinner and dessert, pour beverages, pack take-out, as well as make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for emergency situations.

Hospital Volunteers @ Mt. Sinai Hospital (16 weeks)
Wednesdays, 4-6:30pm
While the doctors are restoring the health of their patients who are in the hospital, you will have the opportunity to restore their spirits. This project involves spreading goodwill and learning about various hospital professions. Special training will be part of this experience. Must be 15 years or older.

Homework Help @ an After School Program!
Mondays-Thursdays 4-6pm
Spread the knowledge that you have gained during the years by passing it onto elementary school-aged children in a relaxed atmosphere. Tutors assist children with math, spelling, reading and science. This program will create friendships that the kids will remember for a long time to come.

Checkmate    New!
Wednesdays 3:30-6pm
Calling all chess fanatics! Take part in teaching elementary school children the tricks to get across the board. You will be assisting a chess instructor with three classes of varying levels.

Tutors for ESL Students    New!
Finally put that foreign language requirement you've dreaded taking into good use! In this program, you will be sitting one-on-one with a low-income, ESL student to help improve their reading and writing abilities. Many students in New York City are below the average reading levels for their age group. You will assist them with reading a chapter book out loud, stopping after each chapter for summary and discussion. After he/she has completed a book, you will teach them how to write a book report using a computer. They won't be the only ones who are happy to see improvements! Must be a junior or senior in high school. Spanish-speaking a plus but not required.
For Both Middle School and High School Students

Be a Big SIB @ an After School Program!
Mondays-Thursdays 4-6pm, Fridays 3:30-5:30pm
Did you ever have an older brother or sister that you looked up to? This is your chance to be that cool older person to another child! Spend the day playing games, doing art projects, helping them with homework, or just listening to their stories. The extra attention will mean the world to them and will also be rewarding for you.

Art N Stuff!
Wednesdays, Thursdays, 4-6pm
Glue, feathers, beads, and so much more! This project will bring out the artist in you as you sit down with elementary school-aged children to create works or art using different mediums.

Be a Special SIB @ an After School Program!
Mondays-Fridays 3:30-5pm
The 92nd Street Y has an outstanding after school program for young people with special needs. In this project, you will learn about different types of disabilities while working with young people and helping them focus their abilities in a recreational setting.

Cook N Give
Tuesdays 4-6pm
"My grandmother can make a mean meat loaf!" She had to learn somewhere! Cook up a storm with our fabulous chef Steve Herman. Students will take turns delivering the meals to a nearby police or fire department.

Be a Shop Keeper for the Housing Works Thrift Shop!
Wednesday, 4-6pm
Last year, Housing Works Thrift shops raised over $10 million for homeless New Yorkers affected by AIDS/HIV. Be a part of this amazing organization by lending a hand at their newest shop on 90th Street and 2nd Avenue! You and your peers will be accepting in-store donations, organizing them into different categories, and assisting donors with donation inventory list completion.

Little Chefs     New!
Wednesdays, Fridays, 4:30-6:15pm
Love to teach kids but looking for something with a little more flavor? Take part in a cooking class for children, where work and play mean the same thing! Volunteers will be assisting the instructor with ingredient preparation, clean-up, and of course, helping the little tykes feel their way around the kitchen!
Application Process and Expectations

If you are interested in getting involved, here's what you do:

Please read the program descriptions and see which programs interest you. They are offered for Fall, Winter and Spring semesters. Each semester consists of 7 or 8 sessions.
Students first meet with the Y's teen staff to choose a program that meets their individual interests. Download a Complete Winter Community Service Packet [PDF] and bring it with you when you come in. To be placed on our mailing list and to receive information as soon as it is available, email us.
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One-Shot Opportunities
For those who are looking to do community service without the long term commitment, One-Shots are your calling! One-Shot events are one day community service projects that you can sign up for on an event-by-event basis with your friends or by yourself! There is no need to make a commitment to all One-Shots. Check back monthly for new events. Register for One-Shot Community Service Events. [PDF]
92nd Street Y Hanukkah Festival
Help us make this year's festival the best ever! Volunteers are needed to set up booths and activities and play games with children and their families. Group and families welcome!

Sat, Dec 2 and/or Sun, Dec 2, 2007
9:30am-12:30pm, 12:00-3:00pm, or 9:30am-3:00pm
View Flyer [PDF]
Holiday Decorating for the Little Sisters of the Assumption
We need your help decorating for their annual holiday party for neighborhood families. Assist with stringing lights on the tree, hanging mistletoe, and making the place cheery. For high school students only.

Fri, Dec 14, 2007
2:00-5:00pm or 3:30-5:00pm
View Flyer [PDF]
Christmas Dinner at the Yorkville Common Pantry
Christmas is a special time of the year. Spread some Christmas cheer by serving warm meals to homeless families and individuals. Families welcome! Spaces limited.

Fri, Dec 21, 2007
3:00-7:00pm
View Flyer [PDF]
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Create a Service Proposal


Meet with a small group of teens to research and create a project that interests you and benefits others. Interests might include homelessness, environmental concerns, voter registration, media or many others.
If you are interested in proposing a service project, please download a proposal form [PDF]
Please print, fill out the form and then fax to the Teen Center (212.415.5637) or send to the following address:
Teen Center
92nd Street Y
1395 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
 
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