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< Back to all programs Pasadena LEARNs - Monthly Science Demos $0 Monthly To Participate: caltechy@caltech.edu About Previous Program Next Program

< Back to all programs YWCA TechGYRLS Twice a month | Tuesdays | 4-5PM | Caltech campus To Participate: https://go.caltechy.org/event/832 About YWCA Glendale and Pasadena’s TechGYRLS® program seeks to empower young girls in the areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and to encourage them to pursue careers within these fields. TechGYRLS® is a place to dream, explore new ideas, learn new skills, and be creative through STEAM activities. We’re seeking volunteers to guide girls through projects and learning on the Caltech campus. Volunteers can attend every session or drop in when available. Email caltechy@caltech.edu to get started! Previous Program Next Program

< Back Athena Castro Executive Director Athena began working at Caltech in 1994, where she has filled a number of roles. She began her current position as Executive Director of the Caltech Y in 2000. She earned a BA in English Literature at Scripps College, an MS in Education and PhD in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University.

< 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.

< 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

< Back to all programs Youth of Promise $0 Tuesdays | 4:30-6PM | Flintridge Center | 236 West Mountain Street, Suite 106, Pasadena, CA 91103 To Participate: https://go.caltechy.org/event/792 About Youth of Promise is seeking volunteers for their afterschool program serving Pasadena & Altadena youth ages 11-14. Volunteers will assist students with homework, with a focus on math support. 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 and more. For more info about YOP services, visit their website at: https://www.flintridge.org/our-programs/youth-of-promise/ . Previous Program Next Program

United way campaign Caltech staff or faculty*? Double your impact to support the Caltech Y's outreach programs! November 3rd to December 2nd 2025 Through Caltech's United Way campaign, you can double your impact through a 100% match by the Institute to support Rise, Union Station Homeless Center meals, Math Power Hour, Young Legends, Anawakalmekak tutoring, and LEAP. All these programs are planned and executed by student leaders, your support allows over 100 volunteers to give back to the community. Donate *Retired Caltech staff and faculty can also give through the campaign, follow the one-time gift instructions at the link above The Direct impact of your support "[Rise] helped me become a better mentor, see different learning styles, test different teaching strategies, and so much more. I’ve had a lot of people help me get to where I am today, and it feels good to pay it forward. Watching my students become confident and successful has truly been one of the highlights of my Caltech experience.” -Rise Tutor “When I was struggling in middle school, I never thought math and science would become my favorite subjects. Rise completely changed that for me. I made new friends, gained confidence, and started dreaming about what I could do next.” -Rise Tutee learn MORE ABOUT THE rISE PROGRAM RISE ANNUAL REPORT

< Back to all programs Beckman Political Award $0 UG or G | up to $6,000 | Applications for 25-26 are now closed Explore government or the legislative process To Participate: https://forms.gle/3SqAAB6V3BgdQ6sw8 About The Arnold O. Beckman Political Award offered through the Caltech Y promotes engaged citizenship by providing motivated Caltech students with an opportunity to explore the various facets of elective government—both as possible careers in government and to increase general understanding of the legislative process - at the local, state, and national levels. Students propose an experience they design that meets the overall goals of the award. Proposed experiences can span multiple days to several months. Interested students should independently seek and research internships and other opportunities in the area of elective government and propose an experience that meets purpose of the award. Who is Eligible Applicants must be enrolled Caltech Undergraduate or Graduate students in good academic standing. 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 or graduate student who is in good academic standing, you should submit the itemized budget form with anticipated expenses and the application that provides: Requested demographic information. A concise written proposal explaining a description of how you intend to use the award and how these plans fulfill the spirit and purpose of the award. Please also include what you hope to gain from the experience. 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 how the proposed experience will help them gain a better understanding of elective government and/or the legislative process.? 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 an Educational Experience Interested students should independently seek and research internships and other opportunities in the area of elective government and propose an experience that meets purpose of the award. Note: The applicant should pursue an experience that meets the broad topic of elective government. However, per IRS regulations, the proposed project cannot support a proposed ballot initiative or a political campaign or organization that participates or intervenes in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Proposed experiences can engage elective government issues at the local, state, and/or national level and can span various time frames. Examples may include working in a government official’s office, a fellowship or internship in a governmental or policy office (e.g. AAAS or NAS), conducting research on the election process, participating in Congressional Visits Day, or a policy-related program such as the Independent California Colleges Advocate Program (ICCAP). What Awardees Receive Applicants may request up to $6,000 to cover expenses for the educational experience, 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.). The selection committee will determine award amounts (may be full or partial funding) based on need, and funding available. The award 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 an agreement outlining expectations and deadlines Coordinate and 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 give 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 seek input from Greg or Athena via phone 626-395-6163, email caltechy@caltech.edu , or in-person at the Caltech Y. Some Past Recipients: 2019 Ariel Hasse worked in the office of Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) 2019 Ben Cassese interned with the Space Studies Board at the National Academies of Science 2002 Ted Jou worked in the office of Senator Diane Feinstein (CA) on foreign policy issues and assisting her Press Secretary on administrative tasks 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

Y Tutor The Y-Tutor Program is excited to start for the 2024-25 year! If you would like to participate in the program, please apply here: https://forms.gle/z3p9wTy9wzrhDv8j8 . About the Program: The Caltech Y is seeking tutors for the Y-Tutor Program, which provides FREE online math and science tutoring to Pasadena college students. The Y-Tutor Program is open to Rise Alumni (former high school students who received tutoring through the Rise Program and are now in college), as well as Pasadena City College students. We're proud to partner with the PCC MESA program, which supports low-income, first-generation college students pursuing STEM careers. By focusing on college students, Y-Tutor aims to narrow race- and income-based achievement gaps and inspire more underrepresented students to enter STEM fields. More Details Days: Any Time: Any (primarily afternoon and early evening) Commitment: Flexible. Schedule sessions when needed. Format: Online Apply: https://forms.gle/z3p9wTy9wzrhDv8j8 Questions: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Camila Fernandez at camilaf@caltech.edu or rise@caltech.edu

< Back to all programs Bay Area Tech Policy ASB Trip $400 Wednesday through Sunday | March 25 to 29 Applications for this trip are closed To Participate: https://go.caltechy.org/event/828 About Join us for an exploration into tech policy, ethics, and society in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco areas! Our four-day trip includes lodging and most meals, transportation to and from the area if you choose, educational discussion sessions, and of course the opportunity to see Bay Area landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more. Discuss privacy vs. safety and security, net neutrality and access, AI and automation and its impact on the future, workforce needs and immigration, regulation vs. innovation, general community responsibility (diversity in tech, creating harassment-free environments, etc.), and more with those who play a role in setting and implementing policy for tech companies and start-ups. Previous Program Next Program

< Back Michele Judd Michele is the former Executive Director of the Keck Institute for Space Studies, a joint Caltech/JPL space exploration think tank. A member of the Caltech family since 2001, she is a licensed engineer in the State of California. Asteroid "JUDD" was named after her in 2008 for her work at JPL on improving the research environment for scientists. Committee Affiliation: Advancement Committee Previous Next

< Back to all programs Washington DC Science Policy Trip TBD 2026 trip announced in the fall To Participate: 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