F E A T U R E D   Y O U T H

 

JOHN AARON JAMES has been actively involved in our in-school youth program since August 2006. During his summer work experience, he worked as a youth counselor at the Juvenile After School Program at the Mon Valley YMCA, Carroll Township. He is currently a freshman at the University of Southern California majoring in biomedical engineering. He was a 2007 graduate Ringgold High School and excelled in many programs.
While in high school, he was involved with the Academic Team, Math & Science Honor Society, Debate Team, Black Cultures Club, Jazz Band, Science Club, and Interact Club, all the while, maintaining a 3.9 GPA. He is still involved in many college activities and maintains a 3.7 GPA, has a part-time job, and also teaches English as a Second Language to Hispanic youth.

(For other youth success stories, visit the archive.)

"The [SWTS] Youth Employment Program offers short term and long range benefits to our agency. The youths' energy and time bridges the gap that is created by the age of our volunteers. Less time spent on a project provides us with more finances to meet the needs of others seeking our assistance. The youths' eagerness to participate helps to build a responsible and solid work experience."

Bonnie J. Smouse, Director
The Salvation Army - Greene County Service Center
Waynesburg, PA

"Having a youth work at our site was a blessing to our Center. It was great to see the intergenerational interaction between the youth and the older adults. The older volunteers became more energized simply by being near him, with his enthusiasm, great sense of humor and positive attitude. We hope he leaves our Center having been shown respect, responsibility and how vital he was to the great summer we had at the Center in the Woods."

Kristina Scott
Program Director, Center in the Woods
California, PA