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Dear Caltech Y Community, My name is Leo Zhang, and I recently graduated with a degree in Computer Science. I served on the Caltech Y’s student Executive Committee (ExComm) and student board member. As a Frosh, I came in with a deep curiosity for math and robotics, but not many stories of my own to tell. That changed because of the Caltech Y. The Y’s pillars, PLACES (Perspective, Leadership, Adventure, Civic Engagement, and Service), really did capture my experience with the Y. I want to share some of those stories, made possible by your generosity, and show how deeply the Y has shaped me. My first Y experience was the Science Policy Trip to Washington, D.C. during my junior year. It was an action-packed learning and exploring trip. One evening, after a full day of meetings, we heard from Michael Ledford, Caltech’s lobbyist (I didn’t realize we had one!), and his warmth, humor, and practical wisdom about navigating politics instantly captured my attention. I filled two pages with notes: how to approach politicians, where to stand at events (by the cheese!), and how communication is the key to change. His talk completely changed my perspective and opened my eyes to the power of communication. Until that trip, I believed that good science alone would be enough to fix problems. But Michael’s stories showed me how much influence lies in the ability to communicate and advocate. Inspired by that trip, I went to my first Y ExComm meeting and organized a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. I was clueless (I thought there might be berries) and nervous about emailing Greg from the Y staff. I spoke to Catherine Ko and she guided me through the process, which gave me the confidence to lead more events and eventually mentor younger students myself. This was just the beginning of my time with the Y. Through the Caltech Y’s Hastrup Travel Grant, I took my first solo international trip to Spain. I led the Eco Urban Gardens volunteer site for Make-a-Difference Day. I learned how to take minutes at ExComm meetings, and I even gave a speech to my fellow graduating students to encourage them to give to the Y after commencement. Now, I’ve returned home to Florida and will be starting my job soon. But I’m bringing with me a new outlook, a fuller sense of self, and a commitment to stay engaged with my community. Caltech taught me how to think critically. The Y taught me how to live thoughtfully. I want to make sure the Y has the same impact on other students that it had to me. I have pledged to support the Y and become a Friend like you. If you’d like to read more student stories like mine, please check out the Caltech Y Annual Report, where you’ll find reflections from students whose lives have also been shaped by the Y. Thank you for supporting the Caltech Y, students like me, and for making these experiences possible. Best, Leo Zhang Caltech Class of 2025

Click the arrow to read about each award! Lucy Guernsey Service Award:  Shrujana Kunnam, Josh Anadu The Lucy Guernsey Service Award is given in honor of Lucy Guernsey, the Caltech Y Executive Director from 1989-1991 in recognition of her leadership, dedication to students, and diligence to furthering the Y’s commitment to volunteerism. The selection criteria for the award includes exceptional service to the Caltech Y and the community, involvement with on- and off-campus service projects, as well as leadership in community and volunteer service efforts. Mabel Beckman Prize: Sulekha Kishore Given in memory of Mabel Beckman’s many years of commitment to Caltech’s educational and research programs, this prize is awarded to an undergraduate woman (or women) who, upon completion of her junior or senior year at Caltech, has achieved academic excellence and demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, a commitment to personal excellence, good character, and a strong interest in the Caltech community. Hinrichs Memorial Award: Luke Zhou This award, established by the Board of Trustees, is in memory of Frederick W. Hinrichs, Jr., who served for more than 20 years as dean and professor at Caltech. In remembrance of his honor, courage, and kindness, the annual award is given to the senior (or seniors) who, throughout their undergraduate years, made the greatest contribution to the student body and whose qualities of character, leadership, and responsibility have been outstanding. At the discretion of the dean, more than one award may be made in any year. Robert L. Noland Leadership Award:  Yochana (Yoyo) Benchetrit This award is given to one or more undergraduate students who exhibit qualities of outstanding leadership, which are most often expressed as personal actions that have helped other people and that have inspired others to fulfill their capabilities. The scholarship was set up by Ametek in 1978 in honor of its president, Robert L. Noland, a Caltech alumnus. Mari Peterson Ligocki ‘81 Memorial Fund Award:  Benjamin Lugo & Aija Washington This award is given to a student who has improved the quality of student life at Caltech through their personal character. It recognizes the student who provides quiet support and kind encouragement to peers. This fund was established by Mr. Jose F. Helu Jr. (B.S. '79) to honor the memory of Mari Peterson Ligocki, who possessed these qualities. Student & Family Engagement Emerging Leader Award: Madison “Madi” Tongco, Camilla Fezzi The Student and Family Engagement (SFE) Emerging Leader Award recognizes undergraduate students who have significantly contributed to the Caltech community through leadership and dedication to student life. This award, given annually, acknowledges students who have actively supported organizations and initiatives that enrich campus life and demonstrate care for their fellow students. Rise Service Award:  Hannah Dion-Kirschner, Genevieve Gandara The Rise Service Award goes to a Rise tutor for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the Rise Program. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify the Caltech Y’s commitment to service, highlighting their remarkable contributions to our community. CCID IDEA Outreach & Education Award:  Lila Rodriguez-Aceves This award, administered by the Caltech Center for Inclusion & Diversity (CCID), is given to individuals who teach and inspire interest in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the community at large through learning experiences and service. This person takes the initiative to participate in civic engagement through volunteerism, service-learning, and teaching initiatives as a change agent in the community outside of Caltech. CCID Agent of Change Award:  Sophie Hourihane This award, administered by the Caltech Center for Inclusion & Diversity (CCID), is given to individuals embodying servant leadership through a demonstrated commitment to steering institutional change within the Caltech community. This person takes the initiative and has the vision to translate a need into actionable steps or policy to create a legacy and a more inclusive campus climate.

PASADENA, CA  — The Caltech Y proudly hosted its annual Friends Dinner earlier this month, bringing together alumni, faculty, students, and supporters for an inspiring evening of community, conversation, and giving back. The event, held in support of fire-relief efforts, raised over $2,500 for the Caltech Y Fire Fund, which directly supports student-led fire recovery initiatives in the local community.    The success of these fundraising efforts was made possible through the generous support of event partners TIAA, Enterprise, the Athenaeum, and Orion AV, whose contributions helped make the evening a success and ensured that more resources could be directed toward fire-relief efforts and supporting the local community.   Guests enjoyed a compelling keynote address from Caltech Professor, Jaime Bock, who gave an insider’s look at the recent SPHEREx launch. Professor Bock spoke about the dozens of hands that went into the much-anticipated launch from graduate students to seasoned space experts at JPL, Caltech, and SPACEx. He also shared the captivating first images from the mission, which are just the start of the most in-depth, and colorful, spectral survey done of the universe to date.   Luke Zhou, Caltech Y student Executive Committee President, spoke to how these dinners are just one of the many Y experiences that allow students “to grow enormously in a variety of areas, particularly with respect to the pillars of the Y: perspective, leadership, adventure, civic engagement, and service. Together, these pillars not only make up the acronym PLACES (perspective, leadership, adventure, civic engagement, and service), but they also play a critical role in shaping the PLACES that we will go.”   The evening also spotlighted the ongoing need for aid in the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire. “From the student-led fire relief projects already happening, to science experts applying their research to ensure the safety of those living in our community, to all of our community partners in the Eaton Fire collaborative, I have hope we will rebuild — and that the Caltech Y will have a part in that recovery,” shared Maya Rosental Saporito, Senior Project Manager at the Caltech Y and Altadena Native.   Attendees were invited to further engage by donating to the Caltech Y Fire Fund, volunteering with community partners, or connecting with the Eaton Fire collaborative . Student projects related to these efforts began with Make-a-Difference Day volunteer collaborations with Friends InDeed, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Boys & Girls Club Pasadena.   Established in 1916, Caltech Y is an independent nonprofit affiliated with California Institute of Technology that empowers students to become responsible citizens of the world. The Friends of the Caltech Y are the primary support group of the Caltech Y. For more information about Caltech Y, visit www.caltechy.org or follow @Caltech-Y on LinkedIn. *Indicate Y Fire Fund in the notes

For over 100 years the Caltech Y has been an invaluable resource for Caltech students. We offer a wide breadth programs for students of all backgrounds and interests to become responsible citizens of the world. the caltech y Making a world of difference since 1916 Supporting our community during the fires Click here to read a message from the Caltech Y, we will be updating this page with fire resources and volunteer opportunities. Joining our community partners for long-term recovery efforts. Fire Response For over 100 years the Caltech Y has been an invaluable resource for Caltech students. We are uniquely positioned to offer an incredible breadth programs for students of all backgrounds and interests to become responsible citizens of the world. From hikes in our beautiful national parks, service trips around the world, monthly Union Station dinners, to daily tutoring of local K-12 students, there is something for everyone at the Y. None of these programs would be possible without our dedicated student leaders, staff, board members, individual donors, and corporate partners. Thank you for visiting our site. Athena castro, Executive director GET INVOLVED upcoming events & announcements Rise Program Monday-Thursday | 4:30-6PM | 1 day/week commitment at Caltech, Online, or John Muir High School Read More Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Fri. | Monthly | 5 - 9 pm | 412 Raymond Ave. Read More Y-Tutor Ongoing opportunity with a flexible Schedule Read More ALL UPCOMING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Noteworthy News Caltech Y 2024 Annual Report Out Now! Congratulations to all the students who received year-end awards! SPHEREx Mission Takes Center Stage at Caltech Y Friends Dinner, Raising Over $2,500 for Fire Recovery Efforts Double Your Impact: Creating a Global Perspective Kicking off the Trip Ticket: Global Perspectives Campaign! All News Thank you to our foundation & corporate sponsors

< Back to all programs Rise Program Starting September 29th To Participate: https://www.caltechy.org/rise-tutor About Monday-Thursday | 4:30-6PM | 1 day per week commitment Caltech's campus, Online, or John Muir High School The Caltech Y is looking for new tutors for the Rise Program. We welcome over 150 tutors each year. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and help local students succeed in math and science. Both in-person and remote tutoring options are available. Tutors with work-study funding are eligible for compensation, while others participate as volunteers. About the Rise Program: The Rise Program provides afterschool math and science tutoring for public school students in grades 8-12. Now in its eighteenth year, the program supports students who are struggling in STEM subjects (earning a C or below) and aims to boost their skills while preparing them for college-level work. Tutoring takes place on the Caltech campus, online, and at John Muir High School, Monday-Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm. Tutors typically work with 1-2 students and, when possible, stay with the same students throughout the year. Commitment: Tutors should be available for at least 2 terms per year, 1-2 days per week. Sessions are 1.5 hours long and the schedule is flexible based on your availability. Interested? For more details or to apply, visit https://www.caltechy.org/rise-tutor or email us at rise@caltech.edu Previous Program Next Program

Programs The list of Caltech Y programs is extensive. As a student-led organization, the Caltech Y is open to the vision and direction of the student leaders; however, programs generally fall within 5 categories: Educational Programs, Outdoor Adventures, Community Service, Social Activities and Cultural Events. Subscribe to our weekly announcements to keep up to date with our range of student programs. GET INVOLVED COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDENT COMMITTEES PROGRAM LIST RISE FRIENDS Anchor 2 Anchor 1 Upcoming Rise Program Monday-Thursday | 4:30-6PM | 1 day/week commitment at Caltech, Online, or John Muir High School Read More Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Fri. | Monthly | 5 - 9 pm | 412 Raymond Ave. Read More Y-Tutor Ongoing opportunity with a flexible Schedule Read More Math Power Hour 1-hour weekly commitment during the school day (8 am-3 pm) Read More Union Station Birthday Club & Dinner Monthly | 5:00 to 9:00 PM | 825 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena | Spaces Limited | Dinner Provided Read More Young Legends Tutoring Flexible Schedule | 1 hour/week or 2 hours/every other week Read More India Ki Khoj Cultural Trip December 13 - 22 | Gandhinagar, India $1,500 | Applications Due: July 29 Read More Pasadena LEARNs - Monthly Science Demos Once a month | Friday | 3:00-5:00 PM Read More Updated Eaton Fire Response Ongoing resources and updates Read More Hastrup Award UG or G | up to $5,000 Solo or $6,000 Pairs | Explore your family background or another culture | Applications Open in the Fall Read More Hummel Gray Award UG or G | up to $1,000 National, $2,000 International | Go to conferences, present, gain leadership | Applications Open in the Fall Read More Beckman Political Award UG or G | up to $6,000 | Explore elective government, policy, or the legislative process | More Info + Applications due by Noon, Oct. 28th Read More Load More