Volunteer opportunities await Whiteman Youth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  High School age sons or daughters of active-duty Air Force members who are interested in learning new job skills before they go into the "real world" are encouraged to take part in the Youth Employment Skills Program. 

The Air Force-wide program offers participants the opportunity to connect with their community by volunteering up to 250 hours over the course of their high school career. Students can earn up to $1,000 toward college or vocational-technical school by participating.

"It's an amazing opportunity for teens," said Kimberly O'Brien, teen coordinator for youth programs here. "It teaches teens life skills such as discipline, responsibility and job opportunities."

Additionally, for every hour volunteered, $2 will go to base youth programs to support recreational improvements, computer labs and other programs.

"It's a cool program," said Nickolas Crider, a volunteer at Outdoor Rec, son of Dianne and Master Sgt. William Crider, 509th Maintenance Squadron. "In the little time I've been here, it's taught me that not everything comes easy. It's a great way to use your time productively."

Ms. O'Brien said teens are able to volunteer in most base facilities. The most popular ones so far have been the Youth Center and Outdoor Recreation Center.

Most bases have the YES program, and hours accomplished volunteering can be transferred from base-to-base.

For more information about the YES program, contact Whiteman Youth Programs at (660) 687-5586.