Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Application
A Year of Service for a Lifetime of Change
The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program is a year-long service and learning program through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Volunteers are placed with partner agencies in one of 16 sites in the U.S. and around the world. Regardless of the location, every site group focuses on spiritual growth, living simply in community, mission partnerships, leadership development, and vocational discernment. There are placements with a variety of churches and organizations working for God’s call to peace, justice, and wholeness for all creation. Mission service and learning opportunities include children/youth ministry, education, women’s ministry and advocacy, community non-profit agencies, environmental justice, social action organizations, disaster assistance, urban ministry, and more.
To learn more about the YAV program:
- visit their website,
- read blogs and profiles of currently-serving YAV, and descriptions of sites.
- learn how to apply and sign up for the YAV inquirers google group to receive updates.
- like our Facebook page for updates and discussions.
The application deadlines are January 20 for international service and April 20 for service in the U.S. Applicants do not have to be Presbyterian.
After their year of service, YAVs have a better understanding of the connection between their lives, and those of brothers and sisters around the world. They are able to use their cross-cultural skills in a variety of vocations including law, non-profit leadership, education, healthcare, and church work (both ordained and non-ordained). YAVs form life-long relationships with the community in which they serve, as well as other volunteers with whom they serve.
For more information, contact:
Essie Buxton
