Youth Service America (YSA)

Founded in 1986, Youth Service America believes that youth, 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.



Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out, and participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved, historically excluded low-income communities and communities of color. YSA is working to change that.

YSA activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. Over the last 10 years, YSA’s campaigns & events engaged more than 3.2 million young people in service.

YSA supports its activation campaigns & events with grants, training & resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult partners. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to change the world.