Creating a Brighter Future

“Youth Institute helps us become new, skilled people—people we are proud of."
- Youth Institute Participant

This is just one of the many positive sentiments shared by teens in the Whatcom Family YMCA’s Youth Institute.

Youth Institute is a youth development program that provides high school students, ages 14-18, with opportunities to envision and pursue a bright future that is filled with artistic opportunities, vocational pathways, mentorship, confidence, and friendship.

Having been established and operated successfully for 20 years at the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, CA, Youth Institute is now spreading across the country, including here in Whatcom County community. Youth Institute targets low-income youth who are struggling to find belonging in school environments and/or are not on track to graduate. The program provides support, opportunities, and mentorship so that all teens in our community can grow and thrive.

The goals of the Youth Institute are:

  1. To improve academic achievement and stimulate interest in post secondary education among youth.
  2. To support youth in their technological skills, career pathways, leadership, and decision-making skills to promote readiness for post secondary education or career entry after graduation.
  3. To provide positive support and mentorship to help youth build their self-esteem, sense of belonging, and confidence.
  4. To support youth in developing social and emotional skills through group and individual learning experiences.
  5. To encourage youth in pursuing creative endeavors as a way to share their own unique experiences, experience pride as creators, and influence their community. 
     

Youth Institute: At a Glance

  • Wilderness Retreat: During a multiday retreat, students will focus on team building, bonding, and decision-making skills while connecting with nature.
  • Technology Projects: Using platforms like Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, and Illustrator, students will create videos, magazines and more with their teams.
  • Career Connections: Students will engage in college readiness activities through goal setting, guest speakers and campus tours.
  • Artistic Endeavors: Students are encouraged to think outside the box, expand their artistic skills, and explore new media by combining art and technology.
  • Graduation: The program will culminate with a film festival and graduation during the 7th week.

General Program Info:

  • YI is provided at no cost to the participant.
  • Lunch and snacks provided daily.
  • Academic Credit (Amount dependent on school district).
  • Potential for transportation assistance.
  • FREE YMCA Membership while attending the YI program.
  • Upon successful completion of the YI program, graduates receive up to a $500 cash stipend.

2026 Important Dates:

  • February: Applications open
  • April 15: Applications close
  • February–April: Applicant interviews
  • May 1: Final decision date
  • May 6: Alumni meeting
  • May 20: Program orientation
  • June 3: Wilderness retreat info session
  • June 29–August 14: YI Summer Session
  • August 15: Graduation

**Due to limited capacity, we are not able to enroll every applicant. All applicants will be invited to participate in an interview process where they will learn more about the program and share about themselves. Once all interviews are complete, decisions will be made based on those who will benefit most from the program.