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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

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 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 Explore LA: UCLA vs. Washington Saturday | Nov. 22, 2025 | Time TBD | Cost: $27 | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena CA Read More Toy Drive & Gift-Wrapping Night Donation Drive: November 18 – December 9 Gift Wrapping Event – Wednesday, December 10th at 7PM Read More Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Friday | Monthly | 5 - 9 pm 412 Raymond Ave. 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

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 Explore LA: UCLA vs. Washington Saturday | Nov. 22, 2025 | Time TBD | Cost: $27 | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena CA Read More Toy Drive & Gift-Wrapping Night Donation Drive: November 18 – December 9 Gift Wrapping Event – Wednesday, December 10th at 7PM Read More Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Friday | Monthly | 5 - 9 pm 412 Raymond Ave. Read More Pasadena LEARNs - Monthly Science Demos Once a month | Friday | 3:00-5:00 PM Read More Stars Thursdays | 4:15–6:15 PM | 393 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101 Read More Rise at Anawakalmekak Weekly Commitment Read More Rise Program Monday-Thursday | 4:30-6PM 1 day/week commitment at Caltech, Online, or at John Muir High School Read More Math Power Hour 1-hour weekly commitment during the school day (8 am-3 pm) Read More Young Legends Tutoring Flexible Schedule | 1 hour/week or 2 hours/every other week Read More Y-Tutor Ongoing opportunity with a flexible Schedule Read More Youth of Promise Tuesdays | 4:30-6PM | Flintridge Center | Assistance with transportation available Read More Washington DC Science Policy Trip Sunday to Thursday | Dec. 14 to 18 Explore Science Policy in the Capitol Applications Due by Wednesday, Oct. 22 Read More Load More

< Back to all programs Toy Drive & Gift-Wrapping Night Donation Drive: November 18 – December 9 Gift Wrapping Event – Wednesday, December 10th at 7PM To Participate: Drop off donations at the Caltech Y or Caltech Bookstore. RSVP for the Gift Wrapping Night at https://go.caltechy.org/event/773 About Toy Drive & Gift-Wrapping Event — Bringing Holiday Joy to Foster Youth Donation Drive: Tuesday, November 18 – Tuesday, December 9 Gift Wrapping Event – Wednesday, December 10 th at 7PM in Hameetman Student Conference Room The Caltech Y is proud to partner with the Red Cross, Five Acres, and PCC Stars to make the holidays brighter for youth in foster care — and we’d love your help! There are several ways to get involved: Donate a new, unwrapped gift by December 9. Requested items include: wireless earbuds, gift cards, beauty products, teen clothing, and more. You can also browse the Amazon wish list here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/4DJC8XHXHGMU?ref_=wl_share Drop-off Locations (9 AM – 5 PM): Caltech Y (505 S. Wilson Ave) or the Caltech Bookstore Volunteer at our Gift-Wrapping Night Wednesday, December 10th at 7:00 PM Help wrap donated gifts and enjoy a festive evening together. RSVP at: https://go.caltechy.org/event/773 Volunteer at the PCC Stars Holiday Party Date: December 11th Celebrate the season by supporting a winter holiday event. Every contribution — big or small — helps spread holiday cheer to youth who deserve to feel seen and supported this season. For questions, email caltechy@caltech.edu . Previous Program Next Program

< 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 Swedish traditions, but also enjoyed travel, exploring, and learning about others) to provide 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: 2025 Sam Solomon examined the Jewish Diaspora in Aruba 2025 Juni Polansky explored her biracial roots in South Korea 2025 Matthew Casertano traced his Jewish heritage and resilience in Poland and Lithuania 2025 Sydney Vernon explored her heritage through environment in Norway and Sweden 2025 Spencer Delgado reconnected with his family tree in Poland 2023 Raj Tarafder investigated 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 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 father by traveling to 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

Treasurer < Back Michael Noll Treasurer Mike was the Caltech Y’s outside financial accountant for over 20 years. After having sold his CPA practice and investment advisory firm, Mike is now a Licensed Private Professional Fiduciary. Mike has served in various capacities with the Rotary Club of Altadena, including Treasurer, Assistant Governor, and Club President. He is also the past-President and Treasurer of Convalescent Aid Society and High Point Academy. Committee Affiliation: Executive Committee, Finance Committee Previous Next

< Back to all programs Make-A-Difference Day $0 Coming this Spring! To Participate: About Make-A-Difference Day, is our largest day of service, happening every Spring term. Join students and others around campus and volunteer for one day of service in the local Pasadena / Los Angeles area. Learn something new about our community and some of the agencies doing good work there - all while making a positive impact. Whether you prefer the outdoors or indoors, people or animals—there is a project for everyone! Projects are led by students and range from 3.5 to 6 hours (including travel) depending on the project. Meals, transportation, Caltech Y t-shirts and Make-A-Difference Day hats are provided. The UG House with the most volunteers can also claim $150 toward Ditch Day or other House events thanks to ASCIT. Previous Program Next Program

< Back Kevin Gilmartin Kevin Gilmartin studies social and political developments in British literature and print culture during the Age of Revolution, an era of social and political upheaval in Europe and the Americas from the late eighteenth century through the first half of the nineteenth century. Looking beyond literary texts, his research considers newspapers, periodicals, pamphlets, and other print forms to produce a more nuanced and finely grained account of the politics of literary culture. Committee Affiliation: Previous Next

< Back Maya Rosental Saporito Senior Project Manager Maya joined the Caltech Y in February 2023. Maya was born and raised in Pasadena. After graduating from Northwestern with a Bachelors in Learning & Organizational Change and Psychology with a Gender Studies Minor, Maya spent a year working in Advancement and Alumni Relations at Caltech. In her free time, she likes to take pottery classes and watch the worst rated reality TV shows. She also co-founded and leads the Young Professionals Employee Resource Group for Caltech.

< 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: Email caltechy@caltech.edu to volunteer 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

< Back Liz Jackman Associate Director of Student Programs Liz joined the Caltech Y in 2010 while obtaining her Master's degree in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. She worked as a teacher for four years in Japan prior to joining the Y. She is very committed to finding ways to partner with and better serve the community of Pasadena.

< Back Jennifer Kowal Jennifer Kowal is a Vice President and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. She works closely with wealthy individuals and families across Pasadena and the Greater Los Angeles area who seek an experienced advisor to guide them through the sophisticated financial decisions that help make the most of their opportunities at hand. Jenny’s substantial background in tax law and executive compensation is highly differentiating, and is the lens through which she carefully evaluates each client’s scenario across the many elements of wealth. She gets to know each family and their most meaningful goals, leveraging the intellectual strength and vast capabilities of J.P. Morgan to craft strategies in a team based and creative manner toward these important objectives. As a tax law professor for the past 20 years, Jenny has a talent for explaining complex topics in easily understood terms. She blends her strong technical skills with a persistent and deeply caring style to foster one-on-one relationships with clients and colleagues. Throughout a 25-year career, Jenny spent two decades as the Director of the Graduate Tax Program at LMU Loyola Law School. Previously, she was a lecturer and the Deputy Director of the International Tax Program at Harvard Law School. Jenny also practiced law with the firms of Irell & Manella in Los Angeles and Ropes & Gray in Boston, advising clients on the taxation of various business transactions, including cross-border, partnership and corporate structures. She joined J.P. Morgan for the opportunity to be part of a vibrant, collaborative culture that operates among the top of its profession. Jenny holds a B.S. with distinction from the University of Kansas and a J.D. from UCLA School of Law, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif. A longtime resident of South Pasadena, Jenny is proud to have raised her three children amid the welcoming environment of the area. She is a Girl Scout Leader who also likes to run, spend time with her friends and family, and read contemporary literary fiction. Committee Affiliation: Advancement Committee, Finance Committee Previous Next