Kansas City-based Youth Volunteer Corps will introduce its service-learning model to military-connected youth at U.S. Navy installations worldwide

The Kansas City-based nonprofit Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) announced a new initiative to expand youth service opportunities with Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) to introduce YVC’s service-learning model at up to 20 U.S. Navy installations worldwide.

YVC began as a summer service program for young people in Kansas City. It’s now expanded to a network of affiliated organizations across the U.S. and Canada serving those aged 11 to 18 in team-based, structured, diverse, and flexible service-learning opportunities. Affiliates include United Way, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and now CYP, bringing structured volunteer opportunities to military-connected youth.

YVC was awarded a Kauffman Foundation Capacity Building grant in 2024. Rather than fund a specific program or singular service, Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, Kauffman Foundation chief impact and strategy officer, said the grants are designed for organizations that can clearly articulate a specific capacity gap in alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities and focus areas. YVC identified capacity to expand their service-learning model and enhance evaluation to better illustrate impact and effectiveness to potential partners like CYP.

YVC used Capacity Building funding to develop:

• 25 new service-learning lessons
• Three comprehensive unit plans for school partners
• An enhanced data infrastructure
• Longitudinal evaluation capacity

Now, with this new partnership in place, they plan to introduce the YVC service-learning model through CYP this year.

“The Kauffman Foundation’s support transformed our organizational capacity, allowing us to meet the rigorous curriculum and IT standards required for this global Navy partnership,” said Tracy Hale, CEO, Youth Volunteer Corps. “Their investment didn’t just build our infrastructure – it enabled us to scale our impact to youth around the world.”

According to YVC, the service-learning model “combines meaningful community service with instruction and reflection. Through this model, youth gain a deeper understanding of community needs while developing the skills and confidence to take action and make a positive impact.” The partnership with CYP will allow for participating youth to design and engage in service projects that address issues such as environmental stewardship, food insecurity, intergenerational outreach, and community wellness.

“Youth Volunteer Corps is a shining exemplar of how to use Kauffman’s one-time Capacity Building investment to enhance internal operations,” said Alayna Smith Kauffman Foundation impact officer. “We are grateful for continued updates on their progress even after the conclusion of their grant. The announcement of their new U.S. Navy partnership is [additional] evidence of the organizational capacity their team has built.”

YVC’s most-recent 2025 Network Evaluation, independently conducted by the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Research, found improvement among all five academic indicators, with 91% of youth assessing themselves as better leaders after involvement with YVC. A significantly higher percentage of YVC youth reported a belief in their ability to make a difference and in their ability to connect with peers compared to non-YVC youth.

“These two critical indicators of mental well-being suggest that participation in YVC programs fosters a sense of agency and belonging, equipping youth with skills necessary to navigate challenges, build resilience, and contribute positively to their communities,” reads the executive summary.