The following is a list of programs available to youth throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. Many of these programs give youth the ability to pursue service opportunities with other members who share their same interests and concerns. Some of these programs even allow youth to explore various career paths and to build their leadership abilities. Please note that some of the listed programs might require a membership fee to join.
4-H Club
Program Description: 4-H Youth Development creates opportunities for youth, ages 5 to 19 to develop life skills, practical knowledge and wisdom. By combining hands-on projects with opportunities to travel, make decisions that affect youth programs, showcase talents, develop relationships with caring adults, serve communities, and build leadership skills, 4-H provides a framework for which young people can develop independence, experience mastery and foster a sense of belonging and generosity.
Age Range: All
Website: http://www.4-h.org/get-involved/find-4-h-clubs-camps-programs/
Civil Air Patrol
Program Type: Emergency Services, Military Career, Avionics
Program Description: While there are many youth oriented programs in America today, CAP's cadet program is unique in that it uses aviation as a cornerstone. Thousands of young people from 12 years through age 21 are introduced to aviation through CAP's cadet program. The program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership. Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others.
Age Range: 12 through 21 (must join before turning 19)
Website: http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com
Cub/Boy Scouts
Program Type: Leadership Development, Outdoor Skills, Citizenship
Program Description: The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.
Age Range: 7 through 18
Website: https://beascout.scouting.org
Exploring
Program Type: Personal/Professional Skill Development, Career Exploration
Program Description: Provides positive and meaningful real-world career experiences and leadership development opportunities for all teenagers and young adults in their chosen field of interest . Allows teens and young adults to explore career paths, including those in law enforcement and emergency services.
Age Range: 14 through 20 (Co-Ed)
Website: http://exploring.learningforlife.org
Girl Scouts, Heart of the Hudson Valley
Program Type: Leadership Development, Outdoor Skills, Citizenship
Program Description: The Girl Scout movement has evolved to meet the demands of society and the girls we serve today. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience engages girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place.
Age Range: 7 through 18
Website: http://www.girlscoutshh.org/
Kids for Wish Kids
Program Description: Make-A-Wish chapters coordinate a program called Kids For Wish Kids in local schools that give students the opportunity to sponsor wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Kids For Wish Kids is an extremely popular program for kids because it is managed by the kids. Kids are responsible for forming the committee, developing a strategy and executing the plan.
Age Range: All
Website: http://wish.org/ways-to-help/fundraising/kids-for-wish-kids
STAR (Students Terminating Abusive Relationships)
Program Type: Mental Health, Peer Support
Program Description: a Peer Leadership Program focused on speaking out against interpersonal & societal violence and to promote healthy relationships based on equality, respect and trust. Currently they have chapters in the following locations: White Plains HS, Alexander Hamilton HS, Westlake HS, Hendrick Hudson HS, Walter Panas HS, The Hackley School, Maria Regina HS, New Rochelle HS, Ossining HS, Scarsdale HS, The Ursuline School, Yorktown HS, and the Pleasantville Chapter which invites students from any high school.
Age Range: 13 through 18
Website: http://hopesdoorny.org/teen-prevention-program/
Westchester County Youth Council (Senior/Junior )
Program Type: Advocacy, Leadership Development, Community Development
Program Description: Established in 2003, The Westchester County Youth Councils are teen-run, multi-issue youth advocacy programs. Their mission is to empower teens to become an active “voice” and sounding board throughout the County for important issues of county responsibility, such as health, mental health and the social services planning process. Participants develop and promote a countywide youth agenda. The Councils consist of teen representatives from demographically diverse areas who meet monthly and interact with local governments, commissions, task forces and youth agencies. Senior Youth Council is open to young people aged 14 to 18 years who have a desire to make a positive impact on their community. Topics include substance abuse, teen sexuality, feminism, bullying, youth violence, and more. Junior Youth Council: is open to young people aged 11 to 13 years who have a desire to make a positive impact on their community. Topics include food justice, bullying, and more. The four major components of the program are community service, collaboration with the WCYC, training from Westchester County professionals and mission-related field trips.
Age Range: Senior Youth Council 14-18, Junior Youth Council 11-13
Website: http://www.fsw.org/our-programs/youth-programs/youth-councils
White Plains Helping Hands Community Service Club
Program Type: Community Service, Community Development, Social
Program Description: White Plains Helping Hands is looking for hard working and caring middle and high school students. Students bring their unique talents and interests to the club and perform community service projects in and around the City of White Plains. This new club will engage in a range of service activities; from organizing food and toy drives to spending time with children and the elderly in our community.
Age Range: 13 through 18
Website: http://whiteplainsyouthbureau.org/volunteer.htm
Venturing
Program Type: Leadership Development, High-Adventure, Outdoor Skills
Program Description: Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are 14 years of age OR 13 years of age and have completed the eighth grade and under 21 years of age. Venturing's purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.
Age Range: 14 through 20 (Co-Ed)
Website: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing.aspx
Youth Bureaus
Program Type: Leadership, Social, Service
Program Description: Youth Bureaus offers a full range of youth development programs and activities including after school, employment, leadership and counseling, substance abuse prevention and community building. A variety of youth development programs prepare youth for academic and personal success, higher education, summer jobs, and career development. Youth Bureau programs – from chess to boxing to lacrosse – provide skills, fun, and character development. Art, dance, and music help youngsters discover new skills…and, of course, have more fun. Youth are exposed to science, business and technology, environmental programs, media labs and field trips to centers of commerce and learning. Mentoring programs, along with intergenerational activities for youth and seniors, strengthen everyone’s appreciation of time, life and community.
Age Range: 13 through 18
City of Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau
City of New Rochelle Youth Bureau
http://www.newrochelleny.com/205/Youth-Bureau
City of Peekskill Youth Bureau
https://www.cityofpeekskill.com/youth-bureau
City of White Plains Youth Bureau
http://whiteplainsyouthbureau.org/
Yonkers Bureau of Youth Services