We are Young Creators Initiative (YCI), a nonprofit organization founded in 2025 in Palos Verdes, California, inspired by a teen’s vision to make the world brighter through art. What began as one idea has grown into a movement, uniting young artists to serve their communities with creativity and compassion.
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At YCI, teens lead the way—collaborating with local artists, city officials, and nonprofits to bring impactful projects to life. Guided by experienced mentors, they gain leadership skills, empathy, and confidence while creating meaningful change.
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Our mission goes beyond volunteer hours. We empower youth to discover joy in giving back, to grow into future leaders, and to see how even small acts of creativity can transform communities.
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Join us as we continue to foster a lifelong love for art, service, and community—together making the world a more colorful place.
Founder & Executive Director
Jeannie Kim
I am an artist with over 24 years of experience and the founder of a home-based art studio "PV Muse Art" where I teach and inspire children. For more than a decade, I worked as a 3D Animation Artist in film, university research, and gaming. But it wasn’t until I became a mother that I discovered the deeper joy and meaning of teaching art to kids.
I believe that art can do so much more than create something beautiful—it can relieve stress, spark joy, build creativity, and boost confidence. Art also allows us to process emotions and connect with others, which I feel is especially important for young people.
Inspired by my daughters, Sophia and Lauren, and their dream to use art to help others, we founded a nonprofit organization that encourages teens to serve their communities through creativity. I have seen firsthand how volunteering through art helps teens develop empathy, teamwork, and resilience, while also growing into thoughtful, socially aware individuals.
My mission is to empower young artists to explore their talents, express themselves freely, and find fulfillment—not only through art itself, but through the act of giving back.
Co-Founder & Youth Leader
Sophia Shin
“What if we could share the joy of art with those who don’t usually have the chance to experience it?”
This simple question, which first came up while talking with my younger sister Lauren, was the beginning of our nonprofit organization.
Ever since I was little, I have loved drawing, creating, and expressing myself through colors and shapes. But more than anything, I’ve loved seeing how art brings people together and fills them with warmth and happiness. That’s why I wanted to share this joy with more people—seniors who may feel lonely, children in hospitals facing difficult times, and communities that could use a little more light and hope.
Most of all, I wanted to experience this journey with my family and friends. I believe that volunteering through art makes the experience even more meaningful and special. Working together, sharing ideas, and looking back with pride at what we’ve created as a team—those are truly precious moments. Through creative activities, I hope we can all feel the joy of giving back while making lasting memories together.
I believe that even small efforts can create big changes. That’s why I want to continue growing this organization with my family, and friends.
Thank you for supporting us and for joining us on this journey to make the world a more creative and colorful place!
Prestigious Volunteer Awards
YCI members are required to complete at least 50 hours of volunteer service annually from September to August. Through this, members gain valuable volunteer experience and have the opportunity to earn official volunteer awards that recognize their dedication and contributions to the community.
YCI Distinguished Service Award (YCISA)
The YCI Distinguished Service Award honors members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to community service through their involvement with Youth Creative Initiative (YCI). This award acknowledges individuals who have contributed significant time and effort to YCI’s mission of fostering creativity and service among youth.
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President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
Temporarily Paused by AmeriCorps
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is an official recognition given to students who meet the required volunteer hours based on their age group. YCI is a certified organization authorized to grant this award.
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Eligibility: A minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service is required.
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Award Benefits: Recipients receive an official certificate signed by the President of the United States, recognizing their dedication to service.
Independent Volunteer Work
If you are already a member of another organization and simply want to earn volunteer hours without joining our membership, you may volunteer individually. Non-members must be referred by a current member of our organization.
Our organization is a professional group dedicated to creating art for public institutions. We strive for precision in our work, and therefore, to ensure a smooth and responsible experience, any volunteer who causes disruptions during the project will be immediately dismissed.
How YCI Supports Volunteers Guidance & Mentorship
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Supporting Members in Strategically Planning Volunteer Activities to Earn Multiple Awards
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Volunteer Opportunities: Provide service projects that align with the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) as a certified awarding organization and meet the requirements for the Congressional Award.
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Time Tracking & Certification: Assist members in logging volunteer hours and submitting official applications.
