Welcome FROM THE Caltech Y
The Caltech Y is a student driven organization affiliated with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Initially founded in 1916 as a student chapter of the YMCA, the mission of today’s Y is to provide programs that promote leadership and self-discovery planned by, and for, students. While the Caltech Y is now a separate non-profit with a staff and a board of directors, the spirit of our founding remains – student-led opportunities that enrich student life and challenge students to grow into responsible citizens of the world.
All Y programs encourage students to become active, engaged participants at Caltech and in the community at large, locally, nationally, and globally. Leadership opportunities are available for students who wish to play an active role on campus either through coordinating volunteer projects, planning outdoor trips, inviting speakers, or serving on the ExComm, the Y's student governing board.
Check out some of the programs and opportunities we have to offer, a message from our President, and what some students have shared about their Caltech Y experience.
Overview of Y Programs and Opportunities
CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Caltech students have a long history of responding to social issues and global concerns. The Y recognizes the need for meaningful discourse on topical issues through the Student Activism Speaker Series. Throughout the years, the Y has been on the forefront of social issues, helping students broaden their horizons. We continue to sponsor engaging cultural and educational opportunities, like WorldFest, the DC Science Policy Trip, and the Advocating Change Together (ACT) Award.
In any given week during the school year, Caltech students volunteer their time and abilities to help those in need. The Y coordinates many of these efforts, matching students with community agencies where their skills can best be utilized.
Or largest service programs are the Rise Tutoring Program, Alternative Spring Break (ASB), Make-A-Difference (MAD) Day, and providing meals for Union Station Homeless Services. Tutoring middle and high school students through the Rise Program is a great way to get involved. ASB is a chance to get away during Spring Break and help others while you travel. Past sites have included Mexico, Catalina, and San Francisco. MAD Day is a one-day spring volunteer event where the Caltech community comes together to help local community organizations and families. Everyone who participates has a great time! Check our website for a full listing of volunteer opportunities.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
For a full listing of all we have to offer, including discount tickets sales, outdoor and AV equipment rentals, access to the Y lounge and more, click here.
The Y hosts a variety of social activities to broaden your experience beyond Caltech. From movie nights to Explore LA, the Caltech Y knows the importance of fun outside the classroom. If outdoor adventure is your interest, check out all the Y has to offer. Explore a new adventure trail or National Park on one of many Y led outdoor trips throughout the year. Sign up for the ultimate kick-off to your Caltech experience: The Y-Hike to the California Sierras. This annual pre-orientation trip, our annual outdoor pre-orientation trip, is a great way to meet new students in a relaxed setting and have a great time in the outdoors. It is open to all new students regardless of ability. Look for an email announcement in July or check our website for more information.
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Meet our President - Albert Kyi
Welcome to Caltech! I am Albert, a senior in Chemical Engineering from Avery House, and President of the Caltech Y Student Executive Committee (ExComm). The Caltech Y is a campus non-profit run by students and staff to connect undergraduates and graduates with opportunities in the community both on-campus and beyond. We are here to enrich your student experience and support your growth as an engaged citizen of the world.
The Y offers many opportunities to explore the greater L.A. area and meet other people on campus through trips to local attractions, service and cultural travel abroad, volunteering at local schools, civic and political talks and screenings, cultural and social events, hikes near campus, camping trips to national parks, and much more… all organized by Caltech students for Caltech students! We also offer a wide range of low-cost equipment rentals to Caltech community members, including outdoor gear and AV equipment if you are interested in hosting your own events.
Check out the Y website, or talk to any student on the Y ExComm to learn more about our organization and the opportunities we offer. If you are interested in going beyond participation and helping organize and lead programs, feel free to check out and join the ExComm, or one of our other leadership groups. Everyone on campus is welcome to join! Please reach out to me (at akyi@caltech.edu) or any of our ExComm members if you want to learn more about what we do at the Y. As part of our email list, you will get information on our tickets, events, projects, and trips. We hope to see you out there, maybe even on the Y-Hike (coming soon)!