Search Results

< Back to all programs Stars Tuesdays or Thursdays | 4:15–6:15 PM | 393 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101 To Participate: Email caltechy@caltech.edu to get started About This is a new Caltech Y partnership supporting K–5th grade students in reading and homework help. 4:15–5:15 PM: Enrichment — support or lead activities 5:15–6:15 PM: Homework and reading support STARS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and educating Pasadena-area youth. Its mission is to affirm, equip, and embolden young people to pursue lives of purpose, service, and meaning. Previous Program Next Program

get involved student opportunities The Caltech Y coordinates a variety of programs each term; some designed to heighten awareness of ethical, social, and political issues; some to serve the community, and some just to promote fun and relaxation. At the heart of Caltech Y programming is student leadership. Regardless of your level of experience or availability, the Caltech Y has an opportunity in leadership for you. COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDENT COMMITTEES community service opportunities rise tutoring Monday - Thursday | 4:30 - 6:00 PM | On Caltech's campus, online, and at John Muir High School The Rise Program is an afterschool math and science-focused tutoring program serving public school students. The Caltech Y has been administering the program since 2006 and the program has been successful at helping students who struggle with math and science. The tutoring is provided by Caltech undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students can use their Federal and Caltech Work-Study allotment to get paid for tutoring. TUTOR INFORMATION reading partners Reading Partners’ mission is to help children become lifelong readers by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction that produces measurable results. Volunteers are matched with a student and meet weekly to improve reading skills. Volunteers tutor students who are reading behind grade level using Reading Partners curriculum and are expected to contribute at least 1.5 hours weekly. For more info visit: www.readingpartners.org and email caltechy@caltech.edu . union station Prepare and serve dinner to the residents at Union Station Adult Center in Pasadena. Food and materials are provided. The Adult Center provides shelter, meals and supportive services for more than 150 homeless men and women each year. For more information and to RSVP email caltechy@caltech.edu youth of promise Tutor Pasadena & Altadena youth ages 11-18. Tutors work with students, one-on-one, for 30 minute blocks. The Youth of Promise (YOP) program invests deeply in youth exposed to trauma and adverse childhood experiences. YOP supports youth academically, socially, and emotionally. All youth receive one-on-one case management and participate in a curriculum of program activities that include academic support, mentorship, life skills, enrichment activities, caregiver engagement sessions, mental health services and more. For more info about YOP services, visit their website at: https://www.flintridge.org/our-programs/youth-of-promise/ . For questions or to get started volunteering, email caltechy@caltech.edu. LEAP PROJECT Donate your time or your lab equipment to the LEAP Project. The The Lab Equipment Access Program, or the LEAP project, aims to address the social issue that many public high schools lack resources like lab equipment, which are critical to students' hands-on science education. For more info and to get involved visit https://leap.caltech.edu/ make-a-difference day The Caltech Y is partners with agencies from all over Pasadena and the greater LA region for one day of community service. All members of the Caltech community are invited to participate in one of a variety of community service projects at the Boys and Girls Club, Monrovia Canyon, Habitat for Humanity, LA Food Bank, Hillsides Home for Children, and many more sites. You can choose to work with kids or animals, do construction or outdoor projects or visit with the elderly. Projects are led by other students and will be 3.5 to 6 hours - including travel, depending on the project. Meals, transportation, and t-shirts are provided. Alternative spring break Explore a new place, meet new people, serve a community, and have fun! Join other Caltech students for a non-traditional spring break experience and volunteer for a worthy cause. From the desert to the Sierras to more local urban experiences, there are a number of different community service trips that change from year to year. Communty Service

Rentals About We are pleased to announce the official launch of our new website for Caltech Y gear rentals! The platform has been upgraded and streamlined to enhance your rental experience. Rentals are only available to Caltech and JPL community members (students, faculty, staff, alumni). To facilitate a seamless rental process, please follow these instructions when you are ready to reserve items: Follow the prompts to create an account, providing all required information Register using your Caltech/JPL affiliated email address Select your desired pickup and drop-off dates Gear pickup and drop-offs are available exclusively on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10AM-4PM Make your payment through our secure system Review and sign the required waiver forms Submit your request Please note that the request submission alone does not guarantee the reservation. A member of the Caltech Y will approve your request, at which point your gear will be reserved. Your payment will be refunded if your request is not approved. All rental prices are subject to change. Please be sure to make the reservation no later than 5pm of the business day before your desired rental pick-up day. If you have any questions, please call (626) 395-6163 or email us at caltechy@caltech.edu . We look forward to serving your gear rental needs! RESERVATIONS What We Offer room rentals The Caltech Y has one room available for reservation for meetings or small programs. This room has access to a restroom. Please note there may be limited availability for these rooms. Reservation Periods begin: Fall: August 30 Winter: November 30 Spring: February 30 Summer: May 30 *Room reservations must be re-requested at the beginning of each term for continuous weekly reservations* The Frank Dryden Multi-Purpose Room is a larger space that is versatile for a variety of functions. It is furnished with stackable chairs and is suitable for groups up to 10. It also has a TV and VCR/DVD. Please email caltechy@caltech.edu or call 626-395-6163 to reserve - Pickup and Drop-Off hours are exclusively from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. - Reservation requests can be made at any time online; however, gear can only be picked up or returned on our designated rental days which are Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays. - On which days can I rent equipment? - What are the pickup and drop-off hours? - You should make your reservation as early as possible to ensure availability. Online reservation requests can be made as early as 90 days in advance of your planned return date: however, no later than 5pm of the business day before your desired rental pickup day. - You must cancel your reservation no later than 5pm on the business day before your scheduled rental pickup for a full refund. Failure to do so will result in a 1-day charge for each canceled item or items not picked up, with the remaining balance eligible for a refund. - What is the cancellation policy? - How early should/can I make a reservation? FAQ - You will receive an email the day before or on the same day when your rental starts with information on how to pick up your reserved items. On your pickup day, you may pick up reserved items from 10am to 4pm from the numbered bins on the porch outside the Caltech Y or by following special instructions. Bin number and/or special instructions will be included in the pickup email. - How will I receive information about my rental pickup? - All tents MUST be set up and taken down by the renter after staff inspection upon return. An additional $20 fee per tent will be assessed if you are unable to set up or take down your tent at the time of return. If you are renting multiple tents or a 6-person tent, you MUST bring extra people with you to help set up. This process ensures that the person who rents the tent(s) after you has all the pieces and the tent is in good working order. - Are there any specific instructions for returning tents? - You will be charged to replace lost or damaged equipment. In general, charges are based on how long we have had the specific equipment. - 1st Year = full replacement cost - 2nd Year = 80% replacement cost - 3rd Year = 60% replacement cost - 4+ Years = 40% replacement cost - We are closed on weekends and holidays and cannot rent or accept equipment for returns during those times. You will be charged for the full rental period (even if you use the gear for only one day/night) and will return the gear on our next open day. - I only need to rent for one day. Why can’t I return gear on other days besides Mon/Wed/Fri? What is the rental fee policy? - I broke or lost equipment. Will I be charged?

< Back to all programs Y-Tutor Ongoing opportunity | Flexible Schedule To Participate: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8jzcbNajCIMUNHg4iLKakQD51eGZUXNab5KMTPdcRsSKbcw/viewform About Y-Tutor is a free, online math and science tutoring program for Pasadena college students. Volunteers make a direct impact by helping students strengthen their skills, gain confidence, and succeed in their STEM courses. About the Program Who we support: Pasadena City College students (through the MESA program, which serves low-income, first-generation STEM students) and Rise Alumni (former Rise Program students now in college). Format: Online tutoring sessions Schedule: Flexible, you set your own availability (students especially need evenings). Commitment: No long-term commitment required; students book sessions as needed. By providing academic support at the college level, Y-Tutor helps close achievement gaps and encourages more underrepresented students to pursue careers in STEM. Interested in joining this year’s group of tutors? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/ETNmvfgByU8LbbqB9 If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Camila Fernandez at camilaf@caltech.edu . Previous Program Next Program

caltech Y 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! Caltech Y Food Truck Open House Showcases Student Programs 1 2 3 4 5 publications Caltech Y News Publications 2024 Annual Report READ MORE 2022 Annual Report READ MORE Rise Report 2021-22 READ MORE 2019 Annual Report READ MORE 2023-24 Rise Report READ MORE Rise Report 2022-23 READ MORE 2020 Annual Report READ MORE 2018 Annual Report READ MORE 2023 Annual Report READ MORE 2021 Annual Report READ MORE Rise Report 2020-21 READ MORE

Program List The Caltech Y coordinates over 70 programs annually with a variety of programs each term; some designed to heighten awareness of ethical, social, and political issues; some to serve the community, and some just to promote fun and relaxation. For a complete listing of upcoming events please check out our calendar. We also work as a resource for groups who want to plan campus events themselves. At the heart of Y programming is student leadership. Regardless of your level of experience or availability, the Y has an opportunity in leadership for you. Below is our general program list to give you an idea of the types of programs the Caltech Y coordinates. social & OUTREACH SOCIAL/OUTREACH Pre-Frosh social, Orientation activities, give aways/Y-wear - and other new social activities. DECOMPRESSION Activities and snacks on campus to help de-stress before finals week. EXPLORE LA Outings to LA's diverse opportunities. We encourage students to get off campus with other students; e.g. trips to museums, plays, sporting events, musicals, and other outings. LIFE SKILLS SERIES A series of lunch talks or webinars that teach a variety of life skills (cooking, baking, other tutorials). outdoor adventures Y-HIKE Pre-orientation adventure trip (Yosemite) for incoming grads & undergrads. CAMPING/BACKPACKING Multi-day trips to a variety of exciting venues including different state and national parks. WILDERNESS FIRST AID A Certification course available for students annually. DAY ADVENTURE Day hikes, kayaking, bike treks, and other small adventure outings… plus the Adventure 101 lunch series featuring presentations by Caltech community on outdoor skills, venues, or opportunities that encourage self exploration. cultural & educational SCIENCE POLICY TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC This trip explores intersection of science & policy with dialogues with policy makers, science advisors, & lobbyists. Applications open annually in early October for the December trip. WORLD FEST This event highlights international student community through country-specific talks and programs; culminates in an international food fair and talent show. Co-sponsored with Caltech International Offices. HUMMEL/GRAY AWARD Supports undergrad travel opportunities that promote professional & leadership development. ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK Trips focused on community service, civic engagement, or educational exploration; locations vary depending on student interest. STUDENT ACTIVISM SPEAKER SERIES Lectures and other forums highlighting issues of global, national, or local significance and/or organizations or activists making a difference. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMEMORATION WEEK Annual event co-sponsored with Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity that includes talks, events, and service opportunities. community service MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY A day of service to increase awareness of community organizations, promote volunteerism. RISE A tutoring program for Pasadena Unified students, 6th-12th grade; year-long with summer SAT/ACT prep course. ON-GOING COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES For on-going service programs; there may be some variation year-to-year depending on student interest; including programs such as Union Station Adopt-a-Meal/Brown Bag Lunch; Reading Partners; YWCA mentoring program.

Friends The Friends of the Caltech Y is the primary support group of the Caltech Y. Annual minimum donations of $200 and above are recognized at the Friends level and are acknowledged in the annual report. Friends are invited to two to three other private, special events throughout the year, and receive the Y’s quarterly newsletters and annual report. Become a Friend Partnership opportunities Alternative Break Trips: Global Perspective Fund Learn More Rise Tutoring Learn More Friends Event Sponsor Learn More Student Awards Learn More Matching Gift Opportunity! We are so excited to once again be a part of the Caltech United Way Campaign. All gifts made between now and December 2nd will be matched 100% by the Institute! Learn about the United Way Campaign If I had to choose a word to describe the Y, I would say “transformative”—we are constantly changing the lives of our students for the better, and making an impact on the world around us. We transform students into leaders and our campus into a community. Your support and generosity would be greatly appreciated to help keep our amazing programs running for the coming years. - Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan, BS’24, Student ExComm President The Y has been called “the soul of Caltech” and has become known as the social consciousness of the campus. “Soul” and “social consciousness” are words that we associate with human growth. Our students are amazing people, gifted with mighty intelligence and the drive to excel. We owe them a student life that looks at the whole person; we owe them a campus that respects and emphasizes human growth in all its bewildering and intriguing permutations. And we owe them an organization like the Y that is concerned with this most essential of all activities. - David Baltimore, President Emeritus, Caltech Why become a Friend? Perks Support Caltech Y student leaders in the incredible service, exploration, adventure, and social programs they run Acknowledged in annual report Quarterly newsletters Discounted access to 3-4 exclusive annual events Upcoming events Fall: Inside the Lab Doors, November 1st, information here Spring: Friends Dinner at the Athenaeum Summer: Food Truck Open House For questions about your Friends membership, please contact Maya Rosental Saporito at maya.saporito@caltech.edu or 626-395-6163

< Back to all programs Washington DC Science Policy Trip TBD Sunday to Thursday | Dec. 14 to 18 Applications Due by Wednesday, Oct. 22 To Participate: https://forms.gle/YvDW5ChUCc7i2mox6 About Join us for an exploration into science policy in the nation's capital! Our five-day trip includes lodgings, and most meals, flights - if you choose, educational discussions, and of course the opportunity to see Washington, DC landmarks like the White House, National Mall Memorials, Smithsonian Museums, and the Capital. And, because this trip is scheduled at the beginning of winter break, we understand that some may wish to stay in DC or travel to other destinations from DC following our program, or even just meet us in DC for the program, while others will want to return to LA, so we are offering three great options to choose from: Option 1: Cost $675 Round Trip Travel Caltech to Washington DC and then return to Caltech Option 2: Cost $450 One-way Travel Caltech to Washington DC (arrange your own travel from there) Option 3: Cost $225 No Travel Meet us in DC for the five-day program only (arrange your own travel) Also, although the trip is already subsidized, we know that some students may face exceptional financial barriers that could prevent their participation, so we are providing the option to break up the fee over time, and/or to apply for the Global Perspectives Scholarship in-order-to receive additional subsidy, if needed. Discuss science policy with those who have played a role in setting and implementing policy for the United States, including: lobbyists and advocates, science advisors and politicians, and in many cases Caltech Alumni. Notable visits from past trips included: Vice President Gore's Science Advisor, the Science Advisor to Secretaries of State Clinton and Kerry, the Director of DARPA, the Director of the NSF, policy advisors at the NIH, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and more. Space is limited- don't miss this opportunity! Questions? Ask us by phone (626) 395-6163, by email caltechy@caltech.edu , or in-person at the Caltech Y (505 South Wilson – next to the Caltech Credit Union). The goal of the Washington DC Science Policy Trip is to advance political understanding and promote engaged, responsible citizenship. You can read more about one of our past trips here . Previous Program Next Program

< Back to all programs ACT Award $0 UG or G | Solo or Pairs | up to $4,500 Explore an issue or engage in a cause Applications due Oct. 27 To Participate: https://forms.gle/XH2sFwveKoVdS83a6 About The Caltech Y Advocating Change Together (ACT) Award provides motivated Caltech students with an opportunity to learn about themselves and their place in society, and to act to make-a-difference in the world through community engagement, activism and leadership. The goals of the Caltech Y ACT Award are to increase awareness and promote civic engagement: encouraging students to explore an issue or cause of local, national, or global significance, and empowering students to get educated and engaged in the cause through learning or volunteer experiences (learning from, or volunteering with, experienced mentors or organizations). The ACT Award offers an opportunity to explore a cause and to make a difference. Who is Eligible Applicants must be enrolled Caltech Undergraduate or Graduate students in good academic standing. Solo applicants and co-applicants (joint applications) are both welcome. Both must do an application. Applicants choosing an international destination must be 18 years or older. There is no age restriction for domestic destinations, however, a parent/guardian will be expected to sign a waiver. Proposal Guidelines If you are an interested Caltech undergraduate who is in good academic standing, you should submit the itemized budget form with anticipated expenses and an application that provides: The requested demographic information. A concise written proposal explaining: the cause that you would like to explore/address, and why it warrants attention: the educational experience and mentor or organization that would help you learn more about, or engage in, the cause you have identified - and why you believe it would make a valuable learning experience: what you personally hope to gain from the experience, etc. Added details, if travel is proposed. Acknowledgment of the agreements that recipients will be expected to sign. Application and Selection Process A selection committee consisting of Caltech Y Board Members, students, faculty, and/or staff will review proposals, identify and interview finalists, select the recipients, and determine award amounts based on need, and funding available. Partial funding may also be offered. Criteria include the following: o Does the applicant clearly demonstrate a personal commitment and interest in the issue/cause? o Does it seem like the experience will provide a good opportunity to learn about, or engage in, what was proposed by the applicant? o Is the proposed budget reasonable? o Does the applicant distinguish herself or himself as someone who will engage in the cause or learn to be a new or important voice for the issue addressed? Awardee(s) cannot hold multiple travel awards (e.g. Bishop, San Pietro, ACT, etc). SURF students are not permitted to have other commitments during SURF, including evenings or weekends, however, activities before or after the SURF period are eligible. The proposed project can also be an extension of the SURF, but it must be distinct and not overlap in time with the SURF. Selection of a Cause The applicant should pursue a cause or issue of interest or importance - and be able to explain why it warrants attention, and how the experience being proposed will help them learn about the issue and/or engage in the cause. Proposed activites cannot: Support proselytizing activities exclusively to promote a religious faith. Support a political campaign to elect a candidate into office. Support an organization or an effort that inspires/promotes hate (as determined by Y staff). For example, a proposal to volunteer with a faith-based organization to eliminate capital punishment would be acceptable whereas an application to convert death row inmates to a specific faith would not be. Please consult the Caltech Y staff for further clarification. What Awardees Receive Applicants may request up to $4,500 to cover expenses including transportation (flights, trains, shuttles, taxis, tolls, travel insurance, visas, required vaccinations, etc.); lodgings (hotels, hotels, rental properties, etc.); relevant excursions (museums, monuments, venues relevant to the proposal); and program costs (registration and program fees for conferences, classes, mentor organizations, etc.) for the educational or engagement experience. The selection committee will determine award amounts (may be full or partial funding) based on need and funding available. Awards may have tax and financial aid implications. Students are advised to consult with a tax advisor and/or the financial aid office with any questions. What is required of awardees Meet with Y staff to review and sign a contract outlining expectations and deadlines Complete the proposed experience as outlined and approved by September 12th. Please note: Any changes to the proposed experience must be pre-approved. Submit a spending summary, including receipts, with each request for reimbursement. Submit a report sharing details on what was done, learned/gained from the experience, along with pictures, that can be shared with donors, and used for reports and promotional materials. Reports can be made in a mutually agreed upon format (for example, but not limited to - a written document, video presentation, blog post, interview, article for the Tech or the Caltech Y Newsletter, etc.) The deadline for submitting the trip report and spending summary/receipts is September 15th. Recipients may also be asked to provide an optional presentation summarizing the experience to members of the Y Staff, Board of Directors, and/or donors, as well as interested students as available. Help from the Caltech Y The Caltech Y is here to help! Applicants with questions about the award or application process are encouraged to seek input via email caltechy@caltech.edu , phone 626 395 6163 or in-person at the Caltech Y. Past Recipients 2025 Alec Laprevotte was a Model UN Volunteer 2025 Tanvi Ganapathy explored disability and access at the Tapia Conference in Dallas. 2023 Emily Zheng volunteered with Sacha Yacu Wild Animal Rescue Center in Ecuador. 2023 Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan volunteered with Coral Gardeners, a non-profit research lab working on coral reef protection in Mo'orea. 2023 Tanvi Ganapathy explored disability in tech at the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference in Dallas. 2020 Jennifer Yu (UG) worked with KEEN (Kids Enjoying Exercise Now) on community based programs to engage children with special needs in exercise in San Francisco. 2020 Pei Wei Chen (G) - tackled unequal access to educational resources by collecting science equipment for donation to a school in need in Bakersfield. 2020 Jose Lasalde Ramirez (G) wanted to increase representation in STEM fields by taking HS students to the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos / Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference in Puerto Rico. 2019 Anna Helena de Oliveira Lobo (G) tackled STEM under representation for girls by volunteering with, the Parana Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology (IFPR) – Brazil. 2019 Damien Berube (UG) explored science communication and nuclear policy as a part of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Introductory Course on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Safeguards and the Hazardous Materials Management and Emergency Response Federal Training Center in Washington State. 2019 Sarah Sam (G) addressed the marginalization of groups within STEM education taking HS students to the Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Anaheim. 2018 Stephanie Kong (G) attended the Global Climate Change and Global Climate Action Summit in New York City and San Francisco. 2017 Jinglin Huang (G) and Yu Su (G) examined affordable/sustainable housing by researching 2 different communities in China. 2016 Phillip Anh (UG) volunteered with Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa (VPWA) in microfinance in Ghana and Kenya. 2016 Katherine Guo (UG) worked on availability of clean drinking water by volunteering with Engineers Without Boarders and their partner the Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC) in Nepal. 2015 Amanda Shing (G) attended a sustainable living training through the Growing Club, the LA Ecovillage, Urban Homestead, CA Recycle, and the Center for Sustainable Energy in Los Angeles. 2014 Ryeen Islam (UG) volunteered with Touching Souls International on blindness in the developing world in Bangladesh. 2013 Janani Mandayam Comar (UG) volunteered to help prevent human trafficking and exploitation with Children’s Organization of Southeast Asia in Thailand. 2012 Amol Kamat (UG) volunteered with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti focused on limb replacement and amputee support in India. 2008 Joey Koehler (UG) tackled mobility and economic sustainability for the disabled in the developing world volunteering with Intelligent Mobility International in Guatemala. 2008 Alice Robie (G) attended training in the Common Ground Master Gardener Program in Los Angeles to learn about providing access to affordable, nutritious food to low-income and limited-resource residents. The Caltech Y reserves the right to revoke the award at any point due to safety and security concerns or changes in recipient eligibility or proposal. To apply you must submit both the application and a budget. Previous Program Next Program

< Back Arabella Camunez* Arabella ('27) studies Chemical Engineering on the Sustainability track. She has a particular interest in nuclear energy and climate policy. On campus, Arabella is a member of Venerable House, part of the Caltech Christian Fellowship, a BoC Rep, and an enthusiastic participant in Glee club and theater productions. She is VP External member of the Y and has participated in and helped organize Make-a-Difference Day, the India Cultural Trip, and the Geneva Global Policy Trip. Committee Affiliation: Student ExComm, Communications & Marketing Committee Previous Next

< Back to all programs Y-Hike Yosemite Trip $300 Wed. | Sept. 17 - Sat. | Sept. 20, 2025 To Participate: Step 1: Sign up for a Caltech Y account at https://go.caltechy.org Step 2: Sign up for the Y-Hike at https://go.caltechy.org/event/711 About The Y-Hike Pre-Orientation Trip is a great way to begin your Caltech Adventure! On the Y-Hike, organized and led by current Caltech students, you will camp, and hike in one of the most spectacular places in the world – Yosemite National Park. Whether climbing the mist trail to Vernal and Nevada falls; taking in the expansive views from Glacier Point or Upper Yosemite Falls; admiring the reflection of Half Dome in the Merced River; or marveling at the size of a giant sequoia or the face of El Capitan - Yosemite never seems to disappoint. And, while hiking in Yosemite can be challenging, there are many options, and our groups typically have a range of experience levels - so everyone from the novice to the seasoned outdoor enthusiast is welcome to join in on the Y-Hike. The Y-Hike is a great way to meet other students. Please complete the registration form to sign up. Remember, spaces are limited and applicants are accepted on a first come first served basis, so sign up early. You should get an on-screen indication that we have received your form once you have submitted it. We will send you a confirmation email indicating your status as a trip participant by mid August with additional information you will need to prepare for the trip and instructions for making payments. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Caltech Y: caltechy@caltech.edu or (626) 395-6163. DATES TO REMEMBER : Friday, July 31st is the deadline for incoming students to sign-up for the Y-Hike, but spaces are limited and applicants are accepted on a first come first serve basis… so make sure to sign-up early. Priority will be given to new students. You will receive a confirmation via email. Thursday, September 11th - there will be a brief Orientation on Zoom to help you prepare for the trip. We will introduce trip leaders, review important reminders, and review the itinerary and what to expect in Yosemite. More details to come. Tuesday, September 16th - If we are backpacking (those interested will be notified) there will be an early packing session for Backpackers who are local (in the Caltech area) only - time to be announced - so we can get on the road quicker on Wednesday. Backpackers who aren't local will be asked to arrive early Wednesday morning at 7:00AM if possible to pack. Campers can disregard the early packing requirements. Wednesday, September 17th , 9:00AM is our meet time - at the Caltech Y (#128 [Section A4] on the Map) – 505 S. Wilson Avenue - to depart for Yosemite. Please plan to arrive packed and ready to go. It will take us some time to pull gear you have requested and load vehicles and we will want to be on the road as soon as we can. Note: Meals while camping will be provided, but we will make fast food stops while traveling to and from Yosemite, and there are places where you can purchase snacks if you want them in Yosemite, so you should be prepared to cover what you want/need. Saturday, September 20th - We are planning to return late Saturday evening (with a stop for dinner – again, your responsibility) – and we have made arrangements for incoming undergrads to check-in early (grad students should already be checked-in but returning undergraduate students will need to make their own arrangements until their scheduled check -in day). Sunday, September 21st - We invite everyone to walk back over to the Caltech Y to join us for breakfast at the Caltech Y to celebrate the official end our trip before Orientation activities begin. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What if I can't afford to pay the $300 fee? While this trip is already subsidized, we understand that some students may face exceptional financial barriers that could prevent participation. In the application there is a place where you can indicate a desire to pay in installments or even apply for a scholarship to cover more of the cost. When should I arrive on campus? It is essential that arrive on time so we can load and get on the road. If you think arriving on time could prove difficult, you might want to think about spending the night before in the area. It is unlikely that we will be able to wait for late arrivals. If you have not checked-in to housing, you can request space - in advance - at the Caltech Y for storing the items you won't need while on the trip. How difficult will the treks be? We will be hiking a wide variety of trails, and availing ourselves of a range of park amenities but groups will typically form according to preferred difficulty with leaders available at each level. Hiking in the high sierras is not a walk in the park, but routes will be selected to provide more moderate and more difficult treks based on the sign ups. Easier routes will likely still present some challenge while those selecting strenuous will be reminded that our focus is on getting to know one another while appreciating an amazing setting… not just checking off peaks. Informal groups may also form for those interested in more mellow hikes and activities around the valley. Who are the Y-Hike leaders? Most of our leaders are current Caltech students who have participated on the Y-Hike, or one of our other outdoor adventures, at one point themselves… however from time to time we also have alumni, staff, and/or other students who have some experience as well. Our leaders are not professional guides, but have outdoor experience. The Y-Hike, like other Y programs, is student-led. What equipment will I need? The Y will have all the group equipment (tents, stoves, etc.) you need and can also provide you with a sleeping bag and sleeping pad if you don’t have your own. See the packing list for a complete list of recommendations for personal attire and gear. Packing and Equipment List Here What is the Caltech Y anyway? The Caltech Y is an independent, student-driven, non-profit organization affiliated with Caltech. We were founded in 1916 as a student club, affiliated with the YMCA, to provide programs planned by, and for, students… and to promote leadership development and self-discovery. While the Caltech Y has added a staff and Board of Directors, the spirit of our founding remains – student-led opportunities that enrich student life and challenge students to be engaged citizens of the world. Previous Program Next Program

< Back Greg Fletcher Program Director Prior to coming to the Caltech Y, Greg worked in Residence Life at UCLA and Cal Poly Pomona, and in Student Life on board the SS Universe Explorer for Semester At Sea. Greg is a native of Niagara Falls, Canada, and holds a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University.