YMCA Student Programs

Looking to make a difference in the local community and communities around the world? Looking for an experience that will have a lasting effect on yourself and those you help? If so then becoming a program leader is gives you the chance to make the difference you want to see.

Benefits of Being a Program Leader:

• Program Leaders (PLs) get experience in leadership and program management in every aspect-from fundraising & budgeting to supervision & policy.

• Most academic departments are willing to help students incorporate their experience as a PL into an internship, field study, independent study or practicum.

• Our students are award-winning. Every year, they receive recognition from inside and outside the university setting for their service and leadership.

• Many PLs rely on the YSP professional staff as advisors for career/post-graduation counseling, writing letters of recommendation, and personal mentorship.

Expected Goals of Program Leadership

• The PL will develop leadership skills that can be applied in other academic, personal, and professional contexts.

• The PL will increase his/her knowledge of non-profit, community-building, and service work, as well as commitment to social awareness and civic engagement.

• The PL will be encouraged to conduct independent study through reading, reflection, and attendance at related workshops, speakers, and conferences.

• The program will benefit from having new and different leadership.

• The YMCA at Virginia Tech will benefit from having a diverse and talented group of student leaders.

Responsibilities of Being a Program Leader

   Program Leaders have many different responsibilities, but are especially accountable for making sure that programs run smoothly, efficiently, and with quality. Most spend 5-10 hours per week being a PL. Below is the list of responsibilities, which can and should be shared and/or delegated to co-Program Leaders & volunteers:

Tracking & Sharing of Information
 

• collect volunteer, participant and beneficiary contact information

• track hours of volunteers, Program Leaders and beneficiaries

• complete volunteer, Service-Learning, and personal evaluations

Finances
 

• maintain budget (includes making purchases, turning in receipts, etc.)

• participate in fundraisers as required by staff office

Time Commitments

• meet with staff mentor 1 - 2 times per month

• maintain 1 hour in the office per week

• attend monthly student staff meetings

• attend retreats & ongoing training opportunities

Program Cycle

• recruit & maintain volunteers

• plan & implement programs

• responsible for risk management

• train & place volunteers

• provide reflection opportunities

• recognize volunteers & recruit new Program Leaders

Mission, Quality, and Innovation
 

• exemplify the YMCAs four core values: respect, responsibility, caring, & honesty

• ensure quality in the programs provided

• be visionary about areas of improvement in your program and the overall YSP

Program Leaders (PL) keep up the great work in all of your programs. This page is to provide you with what's going in the Y Student Programs today. You will also find different forms located on this page which you can download wherever you are whenever you want!!

• End of Month Program Hours

• End of Month Summary Report

• Volunteer Application

• Volunteer Health Form

• Volunteer of the Month

• Website Updates

• YMCA Student Programs Incident Report

• After School Application/Permission Form

• Field Trip Consent

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