Youth employment for base teens Published June 5, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Alexx Mercer 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Youth Employment Skills Program is an on-base youth volunteer program funded by the Air Force Aid Society and jointly administered by the Airman & Family Services Flight. This program, which is being offered at select Air Force bases, gives high school dependents of Active Duty and Title 10 Air Force members an opportunity to learn valuable work skills, while also yielding a positive impact on their base communities. “Cannon was one of the bases selected to host the program, which stands to offer great opportunities for our base youth,” said Daniel McBride, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron Youth Programs chief. “This is another way Cannon is able to actively create an environment for Airmen and families to thrive.” Program participation incentives are given in the form of dollar credits for grant funding. Effective June 1, the YES Program allows all certified and enrolled high school students to bank volunteer dollar credits toward their post-secondary education or training at a rate of $6 per hour volunteered in on-base positions. Students may accumulate as many as 250 hours, for a potential $1,500 maximum, over all four years of high school combined. Additionally, the participating base youth program will earn base community credits at a rate of $2 for every hour volunteered per student - up to a maximum of $10,000 per program year. For the purposes of this program, the program year is defined as the 12-month period beginning June 1 through May 31 annually. “The money up for grabs offers great incentive to teens for post-high school goals,” McBride stated. “The fact that the base stands to gain money subsequently makes this a win-win; kids can feel like they made a positive contribution to one of the most relevant wings in the Air Force.” Those interested in the program can contact the Youth Center at 575-784-2747 for additional information.