In 1985, David Battey and four other trailblazing college students wrote a thesis on national youth service. Inspired by that research, David engaged 68 Kansas City youth to volunteer to serve their community in the summer of 1987.
![]()
In 1985, David Battey and four other trailblazing college students wrote a thesis on national youth service. Inspired by that research, David engaged 68 Kansas City youth to volunteer to serve their community in the summer of 1987.
What began as a summer of service for 68 youth has become a movement that has impacted more than 300,000 youth and their communities across the U.S. and Canada. As we reflect on YVC’s impact over the last 35 years, we want to express our deep appreciation to our YVC family:
YVC affiliates who take the lead in creating opportunities for youth.
Nonprofit agency partners who educate our youth and allow them to serve.
School partners who place a priority on service learning.
Parents/guardians who encourage their youth to serve.
Funders who invest in developing our youth. Most importantly, youth who selflessly serve others in their community.
Duchon, Board Chair
Cathi
Tracy Hale, CEO Tracy Hale
CathiDuchon
CathiDuchon
David Battey, Holly Kulka, Dan Iocavella, Steve Nielsen, & Chris Moore, seniors at Williams College, present a thesis on national service. The work leads to the formation of Youth Volunteer Corps.
The first YVC office, David's bedroom at his parents' house in Kansas City, MODavid Battey begins researching program and funding options while living at his parents’ house in Kansas City.
Since 1987, YVC has remained dedicated to financial stability. Due to our proven record in effective youth programs that meet community needs and inspire youth for a lifetime commitment to service, YVC is a sound investment for those interested in sustained community improvement.
Projected budget for the summer 1987 YVC Kansas City program.
The first expansion YVC site was started in Spartanburg, SC, as part of the United Way of the Piedmont.
Bank of America becomes YVC's first national corporate sponsor.
YVC receives a $1 million four-year grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to expand the YVC model.
YVC goes international with YVC Calgary, Alberta.
Peony Wong, Program Director, holding of the Year
Lynne Drummond, Rich Davis, Dave Smith, Bunni Copaken, Don Boggan, Shirley Helzberg, Jacques Barber, David B tt D Sl Ad l H ll P Dunn
Airdrie, AB*
Alexandria, LA*
Alpena, MI*
Anderson, SC*
Ann Arbor, MI* Baton Rouge, LA Billings, MT Calgary, AB* Charleston, SC* Columbia, SC
Corvallis, OR*
Des Moines, IA Fargo, ND
Hampton Roads, VA*
Joplin, MO*
Kansas City, KS/MO*
Muskogee, OK* Northwest AR Philadelphia, PA Plattsburg, MO Plymouth, MI
Queens, NY
Racine, WI Raleigh, NC Reading, PA* Springfield, MO
St. Joseph, MO*
St. Louis, MO Staunton, VA
BC
KS