YOUNG HEROES
The Middle School Youth Leadership Corps
The Young Heroes program is our response to an 8 grader’s question, asked in 1994, "Why can’t I be in City Year?" That year a group of City Year Boston Corps Members created a program aimed at providing a City Year-type experience for middle school students, while fulfilling an immediate and critical need for safe, constructive, out-of-school-time mentorship opportunities for youth.
Now serving hundreds of youth nationally, the Young Heroes program seeks to enhance participants' awareness of and sensitivity to community issues and to increase their motivation, capacity, and sense of responsibility to take action with others to address those issues. Consistent with the other Youth Leadership Corps programs, Young Heroes combines five critical elements that distinguish it from other youth development programs: analysis of social issues, teamwork, diversity, high impact community service, and a special emphasis on leadership skill training. These elements reflect the successful City Year model, which engages young adult “Corps Members” in a year of transformative service and civic leadership development. For Young Heroes and Corps Members alike, the experience not only prepares them to be community leaders, but to also achieve success in their personal lives.
Civic Leadership and Service…
During the six-month Young Heroes program, diverse middle school youth come together two Saturdays a month in teams of 8-12 which are led by City Year corps members and other community volunteers. The Young Heroes program combines leadership development, citizenship values and an introduction to community service while exploring critical issues facing our communities today, such as hunger, homelessness, the environment and equal access for people with disabilities. In addition, Young Heroes commit to serve a minimum of 100 hours, earning them the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award.
Out of School Mentorship…
Young Heroes fulfills a critical need for safe, structured, out-of-school mentorship. City Year Corps Members and other adult volunteers serve as role models who encourage middle school youth to make healthy choices in life. Mentors show youth how to invest in their personal development and the in betterment of those around them. In the words of one Young Hero:
"My Team leader gives me the sense that I can help the community…he is helping me become a stronger person.”
A Recognized Leader…
Young Heroes is a leader amongst youth development programs. Since its inception in 1994, Young Heroes’ innovative approach to leadership development and critical thinking through service and teamwork has received national recognition from organizations including AmeriCorps, the Points of Light Foundation and America’s Promise. And, the impact is felt nationally. This year, Young Heroes will make a difference in 6 communities across the country, including Columbia, SC; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New Hampshire; Philadelphia, PA; and Washington, DC.
A Positive Sense of Self…
Common to the almost 10,000 graduates of Young Heroes is a sense of responsibility and positive self-worth towards the community. Instead of being apathetic about the challenges facing them, their community and their world, Young Heroes are aware, educated and passionate about making positive social change. As they learn about themselves, gain leadership skills and grow from experience, Young Heroes are changing the negative stereotype of young people by choosing to act for the good of the community.
