Volunteer with Us
How Will You Make A Difference?
We partner with professionals and entrepreneurs who want to give back to their community. Volunteers serve in every YEI department, and whether you can give two hours or two hundred, we thank you for taking a step to help!
We especially need volunteers who…
- Can commit at least 2 hours
- Are local professionals or entrepreneurs
- Have youth experience
- Live or grew up in East of the River, DC
Steps to Become a Volunteer
- Explore Opportunities: Find a match with events like Pitch Competitions, KidBizCON, or the YEI Incubator. Groups and individuals welcome.
- Eligibility & Waiver: Fill out our Interest Form and Liability Waiver. A YEI coordinator will contact you to confirm the best fit.
- Complete Paperwork: Includes our Liability Waiver, Anti-Harassment Policy, Confidentiality Agreement, and more.
- Background Check: Required for direct youth interaction. Provided at no cost. See our Volunteer Handbook for details.
- Orientation: Attend our monthly Volunteer Orientation to learn about YEI, expectations, and upcoming roles.
- Sign Up via Bugle: Browse open roles and claim a spot — no app required. A confirmation email will follow.
✨Featured Volunteer Roles
Pitch Mentor
Help youth entrepreneurs prepare for their final pitch by offering guidance, feedback, and presentation tips.
Innovation Lab Guide
Support students working with Adobe, Solidworks, 3D Printing, and other tech tools in our maker labs.
KidBizCON Volunteer
Join our biggest youth entrepreneurship event of the year! Support workshops, pitch contests, and our vibrant youth marketplace.
Career Guest
Speak at student conferences to share your career journey and inspire youth to explore new paths.
Art or Media Mentor
Teach visual arts, graphic design, photography, or radio to young creatives in our Artpreneur programs.
Business Expo Judge
Evaluate student ventures during showcase events and provide helpful feedback to help youth grow their ideas.