A group of students work at a desk on a craft or project

Generations of Hope

Student Life Menu
A Generations of Hope student.

Building relationships that matter.

Generations of Hope is a group-based mentorship program that inspires local middle school students and York College college students to serve as leaders, mentors, and changemakers in their communities. 

Throughout each semester, participating middle school students from Jackson K-8 and McKinley K-8 visit the York College campus for an afternoon of exciting activities, engaging guest speakers, field trips, dinner in YCP’s dining hall, and more! These activities are led and designed by York College student leaders.

Generations of Hope aims to increase the rate of York City students who experience success in K-12 education and consider post-secondary education opportunities. Generations of Hope programming focuses on the following learning areas:

  • Life skills
  • Peer mentorship & leadership
  • Community engagement & civic responsibility
  • Equity & inclusion
  • Career exploration
  • Post-secondary education opportunities
  • Academic success

Hear from the Mentors

Student Ava German works on a craft at a table with another person

Ava German, Class of 2028

“I enjoy being able to establish and build relationships with middle school students and my peers, which is incredibly fulfilling. I also love the fact that I get to make a positive impact in these children's lives and of course they are middle school students, so we do share some good laughs when we are together.”
Tavon Cornish sits at a desk with three other people working on a craft

Tavon Cornish, Class of 2027

“Generations of Hope gives YGs the tools to grow both socially and personally. By focusing on life skills, teamwork, and creativity, the program helps them build confidence and feel empowered to make positive choices for their future. This program strengthens the community by building bridges between different age groups and encouraging positive youth development.”
Merelys de la Cruz Guzman works with a person on a craft

Merelys De la Cruz Guzman, Class of 2025

“I enjoy seeing YG's growth. As the semester progresses, they become more comfortable, and we get to see more of their personality or notice changes in certain areas, such as their thoughts about college. I love to have the opportunity of being part of their lives in some capacity.”
Kim Bautista Ruiz plays a piano keyboard next to another person

Kim Bautista Ruiz, Class of 2024

“GOH was an opportunity that I saw myself grow into. I started as a passive first year student, and slowly over the semesters, I took on a more active role. There were several opportunities for me to express myself in this program, and I learned a lot about what it means to be a role model and a mentor. I slowly got more comfortable working with middle schoolers, and was able to learn everyone's names. I will take this experience with me through grad school, where I plan to complete internships/practicums that center around children. I learned to like volunteering and helping.”

Program Details

Generations of Hope aims to help the students we serve grow in four fundamental areas:

  1. Care for self: This care is all about finding inner peace and security. GOH students learn about things such as health and wellness, financial management, and personal safety.
  2. Care for others: This care is centered on seeing the needs of others and meeting them. GOH students learn about things such as disability and accessibility, providing assistance in medical emergencies, and teamwork.
  3. Care for the future: This care focuses on aspirations and goals. GOH students learn about topics related to educational opportunities, finding a successful career, and reaching new personal goals.
  4. Care for the community: This care helps GOH students discover their community’s needs and how they can be a partner in  meeting those needs. Students learn about what makes York special, what York needs from young people, and how they fit into the larger community.
  • YCP students: Interested in becoming a Generations of Hope student leader? Contact us at volunteer@ycp.edu
  • YCP faculty and staff: Interested in being a guest speaker, or inviting GOH students to join one of your classes for a day? Contact us at volunteer@ycp.edu
  • Local organizations and partners: Interested in being a guest speaker, or hosting a Generations of Hope field trip at your location? Contact us at volunteer@ycp.edu
  • Donors, philanthropists, & grant providers: Interested in supporting the Generations of Hope program through a charitable donation or grant opportunity? Contact us at volunteer@ycp.edu
  • Schools in the York City School District: Generations of Hope is currently designed to support 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who attend Jackson K-8 and McKinley K-8 schools. However, we are open to expanding this partnership in the future to additional York City School District schools that enroll 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students! Is your institution interested in partnering? Contact us at volunteer@ycp.edu
  • Higher education institutions: Interested in learning more about how you can launch a program in your area using the Generations of Hope model?  Contact us at volunteer@ycp.edu

Read stories featuring Generations of Hope below:

Women's Giving Circle Grant for Generations of Hope Announcement | November 15, 2021

Contact

Daphney Adams, Director of Volunteer Engagement

Phone: 717.815.3812
dadams21@ycp.edu