Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads

Why YVCHR? 

Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads engages youth ages 11–18 in year-round, team-based service-learning that builds leadership, empathy, career readiness, and real-world skills.

What We Do: 

Year-Round Service That Builds Future Leaders. 

At YVCHR, youth do more than volunteer—they learn by doing. Through structured, team-based service projects, young people work side by side to address real community needs while developing the skills and confidence they need for the future.

From preparing meals and building beds to supporting animal welfare, environmental projects, and STEAM-based mentoring, every YVCHR experience is designed to help youth grow as leaders while making a meaningful impact across Hampton Roads.

How It Works: 

Every YVCHR project uses a unique service-learning model that helps youth connect their actions to a larger purpose. Volunteers do not simply complete a task—they learn why it matters, who it helps, and how their efforts contribute to stronger communities.

With guided reflection, team-building, and support from trained team leaders, youth build communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while discovering their own ability to make a difference.

Why Your Gift Matters: 

Your Gift Creates Ripple Effects. Your support helps youth discover the best in themselves while serving others.

This program year, YVCHR is working to activate 1,400 youth in 15,000 hours of service across Hampton Roads. On average, it costs just $256 to engage one young person in a full year of service-learning.

That means every gift helps open the door for a young person to gain leadership experience, grow in confidence, and build a lifelong ethic of service—all while addressing important community needs.

Meet Addison

Addison joined YVCHR in 7th grade as a quiet, reserved volunteer. Over time, she grew into a confident youth leader, serving on the Youth Advisory Board and helping plan service projects for others.

One of the projects she remembers most was helping build winter shelters for feral cats. What may have seemed like a small act of service had a lasting impact on her.

“I pretty much attribute all of my leadership experience and my growth in that area to YVC,” Addison shared.

Now a student at Virginia Tech, Addison continues her service journey through a service sorority. She credits YVCHR with shaping not only her leadership skills, but also her empathy, worldview, and sense of purpose.

“I think it completely shaped who I am,” she said.

The Difference You Make

Your support helps youth discover their ability to lead, serve, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Teachers and community partners see these changes firsthand.

“Through our partnership with Youth Volunteer Corps Hampton Roads, my students have developed a deeper understanding of our community’s needs and a stronger sense of connection to the people we serve. It has opened the door for them to continue volunteering outside of class in impactful ways. It has also been immensely helpful and time-saving to have Youth Volunteer Corps research organizations and coordinate activities, allowing me to focus more on supporting my students’ growth and leadership.”

-Sarah Bunch
Co-Sponsor, Great Bridge High School SCA

Building on Real Impact

YVCHR continues to grow both in reach and impact. In the coming year, we are focused on going deeper—creating more service projects and leadership opportunities so youth can volunteer more often and build stronger connections to their communities.

By expanding partnerships with schools and nonprofit organizations, we can provide more meaningful opportunities for young people to serve, learn, and lead while addressing important needs across Hampton Roads.

When youth serve, lives change—starting with their own.

Invest in a young person’s potential. A gift of $256 activates one youth for a full year of service-learning, creating ripple effects across Hampton Roads.