We understand our prospective students are at various stages within their lives, which may limit their time and commitment, therefore YAC offers three (3) tracks for its participants – Internship, Mentoring, and Artist-In-Residency.

We understand prospective applicants are at various stages throughout their lives so our goals are to nurture in ways which will increase awareness and eduction. We actively recruit particularly among underrepresented communities to close the gap in education and workforce development by focusing on the areas of artistic expression, social justice, entrepreneurship, artivism, community development and technology. In pursuit of these goals, we seek to support training of the next generation mentors and establish community initiatives focused on education, environmental sustainability and wellness.

Track 1: Artist-In-Residency

A 2-month summer immersion experience in a progressive thinking environment infused with distance learning centered on civic leadership from a creative perspective. Residents will benefit from the contemplative international retreat with collaborative partners while also contributing to a dynamic mix of programming for community growth and sustainability.

Track 2: Accelerated Mentorship

A 10-month intensive accelerated seminar – part instruction, part interactive – with an integrated component of globalism and intergenerational engagement. With this seminar, there will be mandatory courses with themes solicited from participants throughout the community seeking trained professionals for employment and 21st century leadership.

Track 3: Internship

A structured work experience for selected participants – high school aged (only juniors and seniors), undergraduate and graduate students – depending upon positiion, related to a participant’s academic major and/or professional goal. This experience is supervised by a professional in the industry and the participant is expected to collaborate with the team in all stages of the project. The internship can be one academic term (summer, spring, fall) or multiple academic terms in length.

Mentors assume many different roles but are required to maintain a strict professional relationship, consisting of boundaries with participants. The purpose of this program is to encourage independence for the young adults while instructing on interviewing and business ettiquette, navigating personal and professional relationships, conflict resolution, and networking.

The mentor, during the course of a relationship, should share some basic qualities:

• A sincere desire to be involved with a young person
• Respect for young people
• Active listening skills
• Empathy
• Ability to see solutions and opportunities
• Flexibility

To be a mentor within the YAC community, there is a yearly commitment that is asked of participants. We value your time and dedication to young adults but we also respect your personal responsibilities.

YACs programming is a fusion of distance learning with intensive small group sessions. Participants can pursue individualized research projects under the tutelage of leaders in their field of interest in addition to contributing to group sessions or one-on-ones with peers.