Volunteer & Mentor
Show up for the next first.
YEI volunteers and mentors help young people build confidence, skills, networks, products, businesses, and belief in what is possible.
Why It Matters
Young people need more than programs. They need people.
YEI creates spaces where students can learn by doing — building businesses, creating products, pitching ideas, selling at markets, exploring careers, and practicing leadership.
Volunteers and mentors help make those experiences more powerful by sharing time, skills, encouragement, career knowledge, industry access, and real-world guidance.
Whether you can support one event, lead a workshop, mentor a student business, judge a pitch, or help youth prepare for a marketplace, your presence can help create a meaningful first.
How Will You Make a Difference?
Whether you can give two hours or two hundred, there is a way to help.
YEI partners with professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, educators, and community members who want to give back. Volunteers serve across YEI departments, programs, events, markets, workshops, and youth business experiences.
We especially need volunteers who:
- Can commit at least 2 hours
- Are local professionals or entrepreneurs
- Have experience working with youth
- Live or grew up East of the River, DC
- Have a passion for YEI’s mission
Featured Volunteer Roles
Find a way to show up.
Pitch Mentor
Help youth entrepreneurs prepare for final pitches by offering guidance, feedback, and presentation tips.
Innovation Lab Guide
Support students working with Adobe, Solidworks, 3D printing, laser cutting, and other creative technology tools.
KidBizCON Volunteer
Support workshops, pitch contests, youth marketplace experiences, activations, setup, check-in, and guest flow.
Career Guest
Share your career journey, lessons learned, and professional pathway to help youth imagine new possibilities.
Art or Media Mentor
Teach or support visual arts, graphic design, photography, content creation, radio, media, or creative business.
Business Expo Judge
Evaluate student ventures during showcases and provide helpful feedback to help young entrepreneurs grow.
Steps to Become a Volunteer
Simple steps. Safe process. Real impact.
Explore Opportunities
Find a match with opportunities like pitch competitions, KidBizCON, YEI Incubator support, workshops, markets, committees, or events.
Apply Online
Complete the volunteer application so YEI can learn more about your interests, experience, and best-fit opportunities.
Complete Paperwork
New volunteers must complete the liability waiver and review required policies, handbook materials, and confidentiality expectations.
Background Check
Ongoing volunteers with direct youth contact may need fingerprinting and a background check at no cost to the volunteer.
Attend Orientation
YEI hosts volunteer orientation to review expectations, responsibilities, current opportunities, and department-specific needs.
Sign Up on Bugle
After onboarding, volunteers can browse available shifts and claim roles through YEI’s Bugle volunteer platform.
Get Started
Ready to volunteer or mentor?
Start with the volunteer application. Once your form is reviewed, a YEI coordinator may follow up about next steps, paperwork, background check requirements, orientation, and available roles.
Step One: Complete the Volunteer Application
This application helps us learn about your interests, skills, availability, and the best-fit volunteer or mentor opportunities.
Complete Volunteer ApplicationVolunteer Calendar
Browse open shifts through Bugle.
YEI uses Bugle to post upcoming volunteer shifts for events, markets, workshops, KidBizCON, and special programs.
After completing the volunteer application and any required onboarding steps, volunteers may browse available roles and sign up for shifts.
How Bugle Works
- No app is required
- Browse available volunteer roles
- Claim a shift that fits your schedule
- Receive confirmation and follow-up details
Volunteer Resources
Important documents and onboarding materials.
Some documents may be required before serving, depending on the role. YEI will confirm which forms apply to your volunteer assignment.
Volunteer Handbook
Review YEI’s volunteer expectations, background check guidance, and service information.
View HandbookLiability Waiver
All volunteers must complete the liability waiver before serving with YEI.
Sign WaiverAnti-Harassment Policy
Review YEI’s anti-sexual harassment policy and expectations for safe, respectful conduct.
View PolicySexual Harassment Training
Review training materials for preventing sexual harassment and maintaining safe spaces.
View TrainingStudent Confidentiality
Ongoing volunteers providing direct youth support may need to review student confidentiality requirements.
View PolicyCommunity Service Timesheet
Use this form if you need to report volunteer or community service hours to a school or third party.
Download TimesheetYouth Safety Comes First
Volunteer requirements depend on the role.
Volunteers with ongoing or close contact with youth may be required to complete fingerprinting and a background check. One-time guest speakers referred by YEI partners or staff may be exempt, but must complete required affirmations and remain with YEI staff at all times. YEI will confirm requirements before placement.
Be part of a young person’s next first. Your time, skills, network, and encouragement can help youth entrepreneurs build confidence, ownership, and opportunity.