Young Adult Service Program

Young Adult Service Program
(YASP) 2025 Internship

Deadline to apply is April 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM (EST). Please use your desktop computer when applying.

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.

NYC Urban Park Rangers with YASP interns

Internship Sites

The host sites include the offices of elected officials at the city and state levels, Queens Botanical Garden, Fifth Avenue Committee, and the MinKwon Center for Community Action.

I learned how to use certain digital platforms that enhance the ease of communication within the organization and I also learned how to use certain video editing programs to help craft internal communications content.

Brandon Ling

State Senator John C. Liu Office

One impactful experience was creating infographics and posters to spread awareness about hate crimes, hate crime policies, and prevention strategies.

Sejin Park

Fifth Avenue Committee

Before the internship, I viewed community service primarily as a way to give back to the community. However, the YASP internship expanded my perspective, highlighting the importance of advocacy, empowerment, and sustainable impact in community service.

Steven Lee

Congresswoman Grace Meng's Office

Through this internship, I learned that community service is far from an act of good action; it deeply understands the problems facing society at its roots, amplifies the voices of the vulnerable, and moves society toward a safer and more informed level.

Xiao Ying Jiang

Garden of Hope

YASP 2024 Graduation

Who is eligible?

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.

High school students must be a sophomore or above as of Fall 2025.

College students must be a freshman or above as of Fall 2025.

YASP Process

Application

Application deadline is April 21, 2025.

Review

YASP team will review your application and may request supplemental materials.

Interview

On a rolling basis, selected candidates will be interviewed when all required materials are submitted.

Orientation

If selected, orientation starts on Friday, June 27th, 2025.

How to apply?

1. Apply online. Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 21st, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST). Applications are on a rolling basis. Please use a desktop computer when filling out the application.

Checklist

2. Sign the YASP Code of Conduct

3. Review the checklist for additional materials. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

4. Submit all required documents in a single email to yasp@kcsny.or g with the subject line:

“[First and Last Name] 2025 YASP High School Application”

or “[First and Last Name] 2025 YASP College Application”

Important Dates

Application Deadline

Monday

April 21st, 2025

Orientation

Friday

June 27th, 2025

Start of Program

Monday

June 30th, 2025

End of Program

Friday

August 15th, 2025

Intern Responsibilities

FAQ

1. What are the eligibility requirements for YASP?

Must be an AAPI-identifying high school or college student whose school and/or home address is within New York City (five boroughs). High school students must be a sophomore or above as of fall 2025, and college students must be a freshman or above as of fall 2025. Please note that AAPI stands for Asian American Pacific Islander.

2. What are the start and end dates of the program?

The official start date for college and high school interns is Monday, June 30th, 2025, and the official end date is Friday, August 15th, 2025.

3. What is the time commitment for participating in YASP?

High school and college interns must work at least 15 hours per week. You will be able to set your schedule with your host site supervisor.

4. When will interviews be conducted?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email and an interview date. Please allow up to three (3) business days for us to respond.

5. Will the interviews be conducted in person or remotely?

Interviews with the YASP team will be conducted remotely via Zoom. However, additional interviews with the host site may be required depending on your placement and could occur either in person or remotely.

6. Is orientation and graduation mandatory? When is it?

Yes, orientation and graduation are mandatory for all interns. Orientation is on June 27th, 2025, and graduation is on August 15th, 2025. Times and locations are to be announced at a later date.

7. What other mandatory events would I need to attend once I become a YASP intern?

All interns must attend orientation, enrichment sessions, and graduation.

8. If I am a high school senior, do I apply as a high school or college intern?

Please apply using the high school intern application and indicate that you are a postgraduate when asked in the application.

9. Can non-AAPI students apply for this internship?

Unfortunately, we can only take AAPI-identifying high school and college students.

I0. Do you have to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to apply for this internship?

No, you do not need to be either. However, these requirements will apply if you want to receive the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).

11. Will all high school and college applicants be accepted?

No, not all applicants will be accepted. The number of intern positions is limited and varies each year.

12. Will I qualify for the PVSA?

Eligibility for the PVSA depends on meeting the required volunteer hours and other specific criteria. Both college and high school interns are eligible to receive this award. For more information, please visit the official PVSA website at https://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

Young Adult Service Program