UCC's Youth Volunteer Corps was formed in June 2006 as a pre-college strategy with the goal of providing a consistent, committed volunteer force of local youth to improve the capacity of the agency's youth programs. While the original YVC was comprised of ten volunteers, it has grown to encompass 160 students from area high schools who are actively involved in tutoring and mentoring opportunities throughout the school year as well as during UCC’s five-week summer recreation program. YVC creates a positive mentoring environment for elementary school participants in the summer recreation and after-school programs. At the same time it provides valuable opportunities for YVC members to develop job readiness, leadership and mentoring skills.
In addition, Corps members have access to pre-college activities at UCC, where they participate in age-specific workshops on study skills, test preparation, financial aid assistance and applying for college, as well as visits to area universities and businesses.