YCI Crew is an art-based nonprofit program in Rancho Palos Verdes, dedicated to empowering students from 7th to 12th grade by providing meaningful volunteer and leadership opportunities. Through creative projects, members can express themselves, explore the creative process, and experience a sense of joy and accomplishment. YCI Crew encourages members to develop stronger connections with their community, build meaningful bonds with teammates, and cultivate a sense of civic responsibility.

Complete the Membership Application Form
Fill out the online membership form to share your interests, goals, and passion for creativity and community service.

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Schedule an Interview
After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule an interview with both the student applicant and their parent(s)/guardian(s).

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Participate in the Interview
The interview will include a joint conversation with the student and parents together, as well as brief individual discussions. This helps us ensure that the student is personally motivated and that the family supports the spirit of YCI Crew.

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Receive Final Approval
Following a successful interview, you will receive a confirmation email to officially join the YCI Crew!

At YCI Crew, we value passion, creativity, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference. We welcome students who are excited to grow, serve, and inspire alongside our community.

YCI Crew places a strong emphasis on nurturing leadership skills in teens. Members have the chance to take on various officer roles, serve on the governing board, and plan monthly meetings and community service events. Additionally, they can collaborate on mural art designs and see their work displayed as part of community murals, creating a lasting impact on their surroundings.

YCI Crew members are required to attend monthly meetings and participate in volunteer activities. Meetings are typically held via Zoom for convenience.

For mural projects, members must participate at least three times per year, and a guardian must accompany them for each session.

For art kit donation projects supporting nursing homes and children's hospitals, members can volunteer by packing kits at the studio or picking up materials to assemble at home. Additionally, for projects where members personally deliver the kits and assist recipients with art activities, participation is required at least every other session.

As a student-led organization, all meetings are planned and facilitated by the President in collaboration with the YCI Advisory Committee.

YCI Crew members are required to complete at least 50 hours of volunteer service annually from May to April. Through this, members gain valuable volunteer experience and have the opportunity to earn official volunteer awards that recognize their dedication and contributions to the community.

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🏅 Congressional Award

The Congressional Award is a more prestigious recognition than the PVSA, requiring not only volunteer service but also participation in personal development, physical fitness, and exploration activities. To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 100 volunteer hours, along with fulfilling the additional category requirements.

• YCI provides guidance and support to help members pursue the Congressional Award, ensuring they meet all required criteria.

🏅 President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is an official recognition given to students who meet the required volunteer hours based on their age group. It is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

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• Minimum 100 volunteer hours required to qualify.

• Recipients receive an official certificate with the U.S. President’s signature, recognizing their commitment to service.

• YCI helps members track their hours and apply for this award.

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How YCI Supports Volunteers Guidance & Mentorship

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• Helping members strategically plan their volunteer activities to qualify for multiple awards.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Providing service projects that align with the Congressional Award, and PVSA criteria.

• Tracking & Certification: Assisting in logging hours and submitting official applications for awards.

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Through YCI activities, members not only experience the value of service but also work toward greater personal achievement, gaining recognition for their hard work and dedication. 

YCI hosts an informational session every February to recruit new members. Applications are accepted through March, and volunteer activities for new members begin in April.

YCI Crew members are required to participate in at least three mural projects per year, with a guardian accompanying them for each session. Additionally, they must complete a minimum of 30 hours annually in mural projects.

Mural projects will feature designs created by youth leaders or selected works from emerging artists outside the organization. Members will have the opportunity to collaborate creatively, contribute to the transformation of public spaces, and experience firsthand how their efforts leave a meaningful impact on the community.