By Katie Niersbach, Nonprofit Program Manager
Alexandria, VA – Communities benefit when all perspectives have a voice. Volunteer Alexandria’s Youth Engaged in Service (YES) program brings young people to the table, directly engaging them in activating change. Beyond just giving back, exposing youth to volunteering gives them the chance to feel valued, make a difference, and put skills to good use.
“I was able to help my community in ways I didn’t know about before,” says a program attendee.
The YES program offers students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to learn about community issues and take meaningful action. We currently offer Spring and Summer sessions. Participants engage with nonprofits, city agencies, and individuals from diverse backgrounds while earning service hours and exploring career paths. Support civic engagement for young people by donating $50 to help cover project materials and meals for students at: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/volunteer-alexandria
Spring 2026 Dates: Join the Service-Learning Program in Alexandria!
Registration is FREE and OPEN for Spring Program Days. Visit volunteeralexandria.org/YES or scan the QR code to register your child.
- Tuesday, March 31, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Housing & Food Security – Youth will visit transitional housing facilities and food banks to work on projects that provide resources to the underserved.
- Wednesday, April 1, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Environment – Youth will have a chance to connect with nature by gardening and clearing invasive plants.
- Thursday, April 2, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Community Building – Youth will visit senior centers and do a project for shelters to emphasize the importance of human connection across differences.
- Saturday, April 25, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Earth and Global Youth Service Day – Youth will collect micro-organisms to monitor the health of the Chesapeake watershed.
With National Volunteer Month just around the corner in April, now is the perfect time to get involved. All ages can start today by visiting www.volunteeralexandria.org or https://www.alexandriava.gov/Volunteer and join the movement for a better future.
Engagement Opportunities can be found at visiting https://www.volunteeralexandria.org/search
There are countless ways to give back and make a difference this spring! With a wide range of opportunities available, from one-time projects to ongoing roles, there is something for everyone. Explore how you can get involved and create an impact today.
Help Older Adults Combat Isolation – As a volunteer for the Friendly Caller Program with Senior Services of Alexandria, make regularly scheduled social and well-being check-in calls from your home, suited to your schedule.
Assistant Coach Youth Soccer Games – On Wednesday or Thursday evenings, run one fun drill, encourage teamwork, be a positive role model, and help kids grow on and off the field for 703 Warriors.
Help at the Spring Garden Market – On Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, assist the American Horticultural Society with ticketing, directing parking, and more for one of the largest fundraisers for River Farm.
Aid the Community with Taxes – Bilingual tax aides will introduce participants to forms and create a welcoming environment. No tax experience is needed. There are sessions every Wednesday and Saturday evening until April 25.
Be An Actor for the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) Exercise. During this activation drill, community volunteer “actors” will take on a role as a disaster volunteer ready to assist. Actors will be asked to sign up to volunteer and go through the registration process to receive an assignment. Some actors may be asked to play a role or take part in a scenario for the staff to manage.
