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Our financial literacy workshop is sponsored by Wells Fargo and designed to help individuals build strong money management skills & long-term financial health. Participants will learn how to budget effectively, save, invest wisely, manage or reduce debt, and make clear short & long term financial goals. Repeats on the 2nd Tuesday of each Month. Register below today!
Held each month on the 2nd Sat. This lab focuses on learning to identify & remove invasive species in our local region. Partnered with Rewild Earth!
Learn how to identify invasive species and remove them. We'll be doing some hands on removal at various locations throughout the year. Register below!
Resume Building 101 is a hands-on Life Lab workshop designed to help youth create a strong, professional resume that highlights their skills, experiences, and future goals. Participants will learn how to format a resume, identify their strengths, turn volunteer work and school activities into valuable experience, and prepare for job and internship opportunities.
This workshop is perfect for first-time job seekers and students looking to strengthen their confidence and career readiness. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with a polished resume and practical tips they can use immediately for applications, interviews, and career exploration.
Skills Covered Include:
Resume formatting and layout
Turning school, volunteer, and Life Lab experience into resume content
Writing strong bullet points and descriptions
Understanding employer expectations
Career readiness and professional presentation
This workshop repeats on the 3rd Tuesday of each month!
The PILLAR Program is an interactive Life Lab workshop for youth ages 13–18 focused on building stronger decision-making, emotional awareness, and personal responsibility. Through interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and guided reflection, participants learn how to recognize triggers, re-frame negative thinking, understand the impact of their choices, and develop leadership skills. Grounded in the principles of Prevention, Involvement, Liability, Leadership, Acknowledgement, and Responsibility, this workshop equips youth with practical tools they can use immediately at school, at home, and in their community. Register below! This lab repeats on the 4th Tuesday of each month!
Join us for an engaging Career Exploration Night designed to help students start thinking about their future after high school. During this session, participants will learn about the key differences between universities, community colleges, and trade schools, and explore the unique opportunities each path can offer.
Students will gain insight into different career pathways, education options, and practical steps they can begin taking now to prepare for life after graduation. Whether you’re considering a four-year degree, hands-on training, or starting at a community college, this event will provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your future.
This event is ideal for students who want to explore their options, ask questions, and start planning their next steps after high school.
Date: March 31st
Time: 5:30-7 PM
Location: VFY Building
Dollars & Sense is a hands-on Life Lab designed to help youth build confidence with money and develop practical skills they can apply immediately. Participants will learn the basics of budgeting, saving, spending wisely, and understanding how money choices impact everyday life. Through an interactive 4-week series, you'll take part in activities and real-life scenarios, breaking down financial concepts in a clear, judgment-free way. No prior experience is required; our goal is to equip young people with the foundational tools they need to make informed financial decisions now and in the future.
Teen Court is a youth-powered justice program where real teens help their peers learn from mistakes, take responsibility, and get a fresh start. Instead of going through traditional court, participants complete meaningful sanctions, like community service or reflection work, that build accountability and real-life skills.
But Teen Court isn’t just for defendants—it’s also a place for teens to lead. Volunteers can serve as:
Jury Members – listen to the case and decide fair, constructive sanctions.
Teen Attorneys – act as prosecutors or defense counsel, giving youth a real voice in the courtroom.
Court Clerks – Learn how to help keep the courtroom running smoothly and professionally.
It’s justice with purpose: no labels, no lectures—just growth, leadership, and a chance to do better. Ages 13+
Our Mentorship Program offers two meaningful ways to serve youth through Volunteers For Youth: Long-Term Mentorship and Short-Term (Teen Court) Mentorship. Both options provide structured guidance, accountability, and positive adult support to youth in our community.
Applicants may choose one or both mentorship pathways.
Long-Term Mentorship is a relationship-based commitment designed to support youth growth over time.
Time Commitment:
• Approximately 3 hours every two weeks
• 12-month commitment
Program Details:
Mentors are thoughtfully matched with one youth and meet consistently to build trust, provide guidance, and support personal development. Mentors follow a structured framework while allowing room for organic connection, goal-setting, and life skills development.
This option is ideal for individuals who:
• Are seeking a deeper, ongoing mentoring relationship
• Can commit to consistent meetings over a full year
• Enjoy helping youth build confidence, accountability, and long-term goals
Short-Term Mentorship takes place through our Teen Court program and is designed for mentors who prefer flexible, as-needed service.
Time Commitment:
• On-call placement
• Sessions typically last 1.5–3 hours total
• May be completed in one or two sessions
Program Details:
Mentors are placed on an on-call list and contacted when a Teen Court case needs mentor support. Mentors work one-on-one with a youth, guiding them through a structured worksheet focused on accountability, reflection, and growth related to their case.
Once the session(s) are completed, the mentorship concludes. Mentors are then returned to the on-call list for future opportunities.
Additional Notes:
• Teen Court meets once per month per county
• Mentors may choose to serve in Orange County or Chatham County
• Sessions typically begin at 5:30 PM and conclude once cases are closed
• Youth may request to continue into long-term mentorship, but this is optional
This option is ideal for individuals who:
• Prefer short-term or flexible commitments
• Want to support youth through structured accountability work
• Are interested in the Teen Court process
• All mentors receive guidance and materials to support youth effectively
• Background checks and required training must be completed prior to placement
• Mentors must demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and positive role modeling
The Path to Pro Skills Program is a FREE, on-demand training program. The coursework is designed to teach transferable soft skills and how-to knowledge for a successful career in the skilled trades. Trade professionals are in-demand. Find out how to get started and why a career in the trades could be the key to your success.
(VFY is not affiliated with Home Depot and is offering this information as a resource only.)
NCTAP is an apprenticeship program designed to develop experts needed in the modern workforce. The program, based in North Carolina’s Triangle area, focuses on integrated basic training which develops technical, methodological, and social skills. The core training program utilizes a hands-on approach to develop skills across a wide range of disciplines.
Starting in the 11th or 12th grade of high school, this 4-year program is divided into modules, with classes leading to an Associate’s Degree (AAS) at a local Community College, and paid, on-the-job training at participating Triangle employers.
Youth in action! Teen Court participants learn accountability, leadership, and the power of second chances.
A perfect day on the greens at the Chapel Hill Country Club! Huge thanks to our sponsors Wells Fargo and Silverback Asset Management for driving youth empowerment forward in Orange County.
Another year on the fairway with our amazing sponsors, mentors, and supporters! Check out our latest fundraiser that supports youth development programs across Orange & Chatham Counties.
Uproot U: Invasive Species launched its first workshop at Blackwood Farm Park! We had focuses on removing Chinese Privet, an invasive species known to grow taller and fuller than local plants, blocking out the sun and preventing our natural environment from thriving in the sun. Removing the saves our local plant diversity.
Uproot U: Invasive Species went in for round two of Chinese Privet removal at the Blackwood Farm Park right here in Chapel Hill. Lunch was sponsored by the Jersey Mikes of Chapel Hill.
Uproot U: Invasive Species traveled to the Chapel Hill Public Works building to remove some invasive Autumn Olive that was taking over the property. We cleared a little over 300 square feet of invasive plants and really made it possible for the local plant life to thrive in its natural environment.