Search Results

< 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

Student Leaders ExComm Outdoors SASS LEAP Outreach Leaders The Student Executive Committee (ExComm) is the central programming team for the Caltech Y. Composed of both undergraduate and graduate students, the ExComm plans and implements programs. Members of the ExComm also serve on the Caltech Y Board of Directors, which oversee all aspects of the Y operations and development. Membership in the Caltech Y ExComm is limited; however, participation in meetings and events is not. Many students are actively involved in leadership through the Caltech Y without being members of the ExComm. For more information, contact us or visit the About Us section to find someone you know from the current Caltech Y ExComm Roster. Shrujanna Kunnam Undergraduate President Arabella Camunez Undergraduate VP External Benjamin Boone Undergraduate ExComm ChiChi Ifebi Undergraduate ExComm Robert Joseph Graduate VP Internal Subham Sahoo Undergraduate Cabinet Cecilia Moxley Undergraduate ExComm Veronika Voss Undergraduate ExComm Shrishti Pankaj Kulkarni Undergraduate VP Internal Rachel Tham Graduate Cabinet Jena Alsup Undergraduate ExComm Adoniya Paul Undergraduate ExComm Robert (Otis) Otieno Undergraduate VP External Lila Rodriguez- Aceves Undergraduate Cabinet Madi Tongco Undergraduate ExComm The Y-Outdoors Committee consists of enthusiasts interested in planning outdoor adventures for students at Caltech. The committee meets twice a month to organize and plan trips and is open to any student interested in coordinating or helping with outdoor adventures. Rithvik Ramesh Graduate Benjamin Boone Undergraduate Camilla Fezzi Undergraduate Tim Proudkii Graduate Omid Aligholamioskooee Graduate Felix Weber Graduate Elina Sendonaris Graduate Kyle Hunady Graduate Emily Nikas Undergraduate Sub Sahoo Undergraduate Arabella Camunez Undergraduate Ria Rosenauer Visiting Student The Caltech Y Student Activism Speaker Series (SASS) Committee consists of graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in bringing distinguished speakers to campus who challenge the community through the exchange of thought-provoking ideas. The SASS Committee is open to anyone interested in inviting speakers and coordinating events. CeCe Abramson Undergraduate Simon Anuszczyk Graduate Sana Paktinyar Undergraduate Paul Bean Graduate Donny Lu Undergraduate Raaghav Malik Undergraduate Madison Howard Graduate Konnor von Emster Graduate ChiChi Ifebi Undergraduate Ashlyn Roice Undergraduate Aaron Weaver Graduate 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 . This is particularly a pressing problem for Title I schools in rural areas that serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds. To help address this issue, Peiwei, Frank, Jingjing and Suchitra co-founded the LEAP project in early 2022 to help public school teachers get lab equipment they need from labs at Caltech. After the initial success, we have now expanded the program to also support community colleges in Central Valley. By lifting the constraints posed by limited resources like lab equipment, the LEAP project hopes to make a lasting impact that will enable students from underserved communities to make that leap they've been wanting to make towards their own goals, whatever those goals might be. For more information visit https://leap.caltech.edu/ Andres Rodriguez Graduate Inhoo Lee Undergraduate Vy Nguyen Graduate Cai Tong Ng Graduate Jingjing Sun Postdoc Victor Garcia Graduate Tomasz Gawda Graduate Jesus Galeana Graduate Details coming soon!

< Back to all programs Hastrup Award $0 UG or G | up to $5,000 Solo or $6,000 Pairs | Apps Open in Fall 2026 | Explore your family roots or other cultures To Participate: https://forms.gle/grtPaLWtmREucTwf9 About The Gunilla Hastrup Adventure Award was created by family and friends of Gunilla Hastrup, a Caltech Y Board Member who not only loved sharing her Swedish traditions, but also enjoyed travel, exploring, and learning about others. This memorial award provides students the opportunity to explore their family roots or family origins to gain a better understanding of their cultural identity and/or explore and learn about a culture different from their own. This could be another country or a different part of the United States. Who is Eligible Applicants must be current Caltech Undergraduate or Graduate students in good academic standing. Graduating students are also eligible for the award. Joint applications with another student or a spouse / significant other are also allowed, but both must complete the application separately. 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 an application that provides: The requested demographic information A concise written narrative describing 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: Does the applicant clearly demonstrate how their plans will fulfill the spirit and purpose of the award Does it seem like the experience will provide a good opportunity to learn about, or engage in, what was proposed by the applicant? Is the proposed budget reasonable? 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. What Awardees Receive Awardees may request up to $5,000 individually or $6,000 in pairs for funding to cover expenses for their proposed 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 classes, tours, mentor organizations, etc.). 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 Recipients Meet with Y staff to review and sign an agreement outlining expectations and deadlines in order to accept the award. 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. Questions? The Caltech Y is here to help! Applicants with questions about the award or application process are encouraged seek input via phone 626-395-6163, email caltechy@caltech.edu , or in-person at the Caltech Y. Some of the past recipients: 2023 Raj Tarafder learned the stories of indentured Indian servants and their descendants in South Africa 2023 Gabby Dituri reconnected with her family and roots in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. 2023 Mathew Hajjar explored his Lebanese culture in Turkey 2023 Newton Nguyen and Erica McCormick connected with Newton’s heritage and family in Vietnam and Cambodia 2023 Andrew Lu and Victoria Tobin explored Andrew’s father’s roots in Taiwan 2023 Gabbi Twombly and Hope Arnett explored their disconnected roots in Ireland and Scotland 2022 Jeff and Miranda Kerkovius explored a new culture in Seoul, South Korea. 2022 Fatemeh Aghlmand honored her dad by traveling to an area of Turkey with ties to where he was from. 2022 Jordan Benjamin connected with family roots and distant family members in St. Croix, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados. 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

Alternative Break Trips The Caltech Y Alternative Break Programs aim to broaden student perspectives and foster responsible citizenship through experiential learning while connecting students with local, national, and global issues. These programs are student-coordinated and student-led, offering a unique opportunity for hands-on involvement. “For me, this trip was a dream come true. It is inspiring and informative to be in an international hub like Geneva and have questions about the feasibility of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, fake news, climate change, equitable access to technology and medical advances, and what impact we as science and engineering students can have in international policy answered by global experts who are working on tackling these issues every single day.” Kavya Sreedhar, Geneva Trip Leader India Ki Khoj Trip Read More D.C. Science Policy Read More Geneva Global Policy Read More Hawai'i Environmental Sustainability and Service Read More Bay Area Tech Policy Read More Want to support these transformative experiences? Read Sub's story to find out how! Global Perspective some Past trips Hawai'i ASB 2024 Click to learn more! DC Science Policy Click to learn more! Civil Rights Trip Click to learn more! Hawai'i ASB 2024 Click to learn more! 1/4

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 Winter Friends Dinner: The Intersection of Robotics and AI with Professor Aaron Ames, February 26th, information here Spring: May 17th Food Truck Open House and student leader poster session For questions about your Friends membership, please contact Maya Rosental Saporito at maya.saporito@caltech.edu or 626-395-6163

< Back to all programs Young Legends Tutoring Ongoing To Participate: ljackman@caltech.edu About Flexible Schedule | 1 hour/week or 2 hours/every other week The NCNWA’s Young Legends program is seeking volunteers to provide online math and science tutoring for students ages 11–18. The core mission of this program is to support underrepresented youth in STEM by giving them a structured support system to help navigate challenges on their path to college. Tutors meet with students on Zoom for either 1 hour each week or 2 hours every other week. Scheduling is flexible, and program support is provided. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Liz Jackman at ljackman@caltech.edu . Previous Program Next Program

Who We Are What We Do Upcoming Events Calendar Weekly Announcements Media Become a Friend Contact More CONNECT WITH US TODAY (626) 395-6163 Tyson House 505 S. Wilson Ave. Pasadena, CA 91106 MC: C1-128 Pasadena, CA 91125 caltechy@caltech.edu Send Thanks! Message sent. We'll be in touch shortly :)

< Back to all programs Union Station Birthday Club Dinner Monthly | 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena 91104 To Participate: https://go.caltechy.org/events About Monthly, 5-9 PM Union Station Family Center, 825 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena Join us as we cook dinner and celebrate the birthdays of the residents at the Union Station Family Center. Volunteers will help prepare dinner, serve birthday treats, and lead an interactive activity during dinner time. The Family Center provides a nurturing, home-like environment for approximately 200 homeless children and parents each year. Previous Program Next Program

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.

< Back to all programs World Fest: International Food Fair and Culture Show $5 if you want to eat Coming this Spring! To Participate: About For just $5 enjoy a taste of the world! Foods representing over 20 different countries and regions provided by Caltech student clubs, staff and community volunteers will be on hand for you to sample and enjoy. And while you eat you can also partake in performances and talents of other in the international community as well. Come learn about and appreciate some of the amazing international diversity present here at Caltech. In an effort to reduce waste, guests are encouraged to bring reusable plates and water bottles but paper products will be available for those who need. Previous Program Next Program

< Back Mabell Garcia Paine Mabell is President of Viridis Consulting, a Pasadena-based clean energy consultancy. She has over two decades of experience in clean energy program strategy and implementation, with a focus on energy efficiency and distributed energy resources. A native Angeleno, Mabell has lived in Pasadena for over 25 years and spent two years living in France while attending California State University, Northridge. She serves as Chapter President of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) Los Angeles and as a City of Pasadena Commissioner. Mabell earned a BA in Liberal Studies from California State University, Northridge, and an MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Southern California. Committee Affiliation: Advancement Committee Previous Next

< Back to all programs Math Power Hour 1-hour weekly commitment during the school day (8 am-3 pm) To Participate: Contact ljackman@caltech.edu About Math Power Hour (MPH) , created by the African-American Parent Council (AAPC) of PUSD in partnership with Pasadena Unified School District, gives 1st and 2nd grade students the building blocks of math confidence and success. Volunteers work alongside students during the school day, helping turn “I can’t” into “I can!” We’re looking for community members who: Believe in equitable access to education Want to empower PUSD students in math Can commit 1 hour a week (October 2025 – April 2026) For more information or to get involved, contact ljackman@caltech.edu Previous Program Next Program