Young Adult Service Program
YASP (Young Adult Service Program) connects Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) high school and college students with internships at various community organizations and the offices of local elected officials throughout NYC. Co-hosted by The Korea Times, YASP has provided AAPI youth with the opportunity to serve their local community and learn the importance of service since 2001.
The deadline to apply is Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST). Please use your desktop computer when applying.
Internship Sites
The host sites include the offices of elected officials at the city and state levels,
Queens Botanical Garden, Reading Partners, and the MinKwon Center for Community Action.
Testimonials
Jane No
KCS Workforce
Doing outreach, I saw a lot of people, but while giving out flyers, an older woman gave me a bungeo-ppang. I was really touched by this because I didn't even know her, but she still wanted to make sure that I wasn't hungry while standing in the sun.
It reminded me why people serve their communities: to give back. In a way, we all serve our communities in different ways. I served by handing out flyers to promote helpful programs provided by KCS, and that woman served me by giving me the bread.
Emma Lin
Councilwoman Sandra Ung’s Office
This internship gave me the opportunity to understand the problems that are impacting the livelihoods of people in District 20, specifically problems that elders, those with language barriers, lack of resources, and the general population face in everyday lives.
It also gave me the ability to aid those who need such help by offering advice or resources and giving assurance. I've learned that serving your community is important, and it can be done in different ways.
Sangmi Park
KCS Mental Health Clinic
My internship at the KCS Mental Health Clinic taught me that serving a community can take many forms, including behind-the-scenes research and administrative support. I learned the importance of attention to detail, critical thinking, and collaboration, and saw firsthand how thoughtful research contributes to programs that meaningfully support the community.
Niusa Meng
Councilwoman Julie Won’s Office
During my YASP internship, I developed marketing skills that involve social media management and video editing, as well as using Canva to create flyers/presentations. I applied these skills to help people in District 26 be aware of the usage of the 311 app, which can be used to report potential hazards in the area. For example, in one video that we’ve created, we scripted a skit to inform others of how abandoned bikes can be a hazard.
Who is eligible?
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Applicants must be AAPI-identifying high school or college students whose school and/or home address is within the five boroughs of New York City.
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High school students must be sophomore or above as of Fall 2026.
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College students must be a freshman or above as of Fall 2026.
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Application Process
Application
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Application deadline is
Monday, April 20th, 2026
Review
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The YASP team will review your application and may request supplemental materials.
Interview
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On a rolling basis, selected candidates will be interviewed when all required materials are submitted.
Orientation
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If selected, orientation starts on Thursday, June 25th, 2026.
How to apply?
Apply online! Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST)
Applications are on a rolling basis.
Please use a desktop computer when filling out the application.
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Submit all required documents in a single email to yasp@kcsny.org with the subject line:
"[First and Last Name] 2026 YASP High School Application"
"[First and Last Name] 2026 YASP College Application"
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Review the checklist for additional materials. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
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Important Dates
Application Deadline
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Orientation
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Start of Program
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End of Program
Monday,
April 20th, 2026
Thursday,
June 25th, 2026
Monday,
June 29th, 2026
Friday,
August 14th, 2026
Intern Responsibilities
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Attend orientation, graduation, and 2-3 mandatory workshops​​
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Submit all timesheets on time to be eligible for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) and Certificate of Recognition (Mayoral Service Recognition Program).
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Volunteer for at least 15 hours/week
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Complete two evaluations