Northwest

Known for prodigious rainfall, stunning mountain ranges, and prolific runs of salmon, the Northwest is the original stomping grounds of the YMCA Earth Service Corps.  Now boasting the highest concentration of YESC clubs, the Northwest has garnered a reputation nationally as an environmentally aware region of the country. With the Cascades, Mt. Rainer, Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and the Williamette and Deschutes National Forest, the Northwest offers some of the most spectacular hikes, climbs, and slopes in the country.  Maybe the easy access to these wild places - just a hop, skip, and jump from urban centers - explains not only the commitment to the environment, but also the mellow vibe of Northwesters. 

Not only is the Northwest just plain awesome, but it also claims the birthplace of YESC in 1989.  In Seattle, Metrocenter YMCA's Earth Service Corps leadership has been helping connect over 35 clubs in Washington high schools and middle schools for 20 years!  Four dedicated Americorps members lead the way, working directly with clubs and planning regional projects that bring together students with a shared dedication to helping the planet and building community.  In the summer, YESC staff lead service trips in the Cascades and the Olympic Peninsula open to all seattle teens.  Puget Sound clubs focus on a variety of issues, but often come together to restore sensitive habitat threatened by invasive species and erosion.

• Bainbridge High School - Bainbridge Island, WA

• Center School - Seattle WA

• Chief Sealth High School - Seattle WA

• Chinook Middle School - SeaTac, WA

• Curtis High School - University Place, WA

• Foster High School - Tukwila, WA

• Garfield High School - Seattle, WA

• GHECO (Gig Harbor HS) - Gig Harbor, WA

• Hamilton Middle School - Seattle, WA

• Hazen High School - Renton, WA

• Interlake High School - Bellevue, WA

• Juanita High School - Kirkland, WA

• Nathan Hale High School - Seattle, WA

• Pine Lake Middle School - Sammamish, WA

• Sammamish High School - Bellevue, WA

• San Francisco Earth Service Corps - San Francisco, CA

• Seattle Girls School - Seattle, WA

• Sylvester Middle School - Burien, WA

• The Northwest School - Seattle, WA

• West Seattle High School - Seattle WA