Our highest priority is the safety and security of all children who participate in our programs.
YSP volunteers who may interact with minors one-on-one must a) have a valid background check and b) complete online training modules on working with minors in order to comply with the University’s Youth Protection Policy.
Background checks are $55/person and valid for four years. YSP will cover the cost in most cases.
Background checks are conducted via HireRight through the WUSTL Youth Protection Committee. They include checks of local, state, and national criminal databases, Social Security Number traces, and the National Sex Offender Registry.
Background checks obtained through HireRight can be used for other university programming while valid. We cannot accept results from other sources. HireRight’s screening is equivalent to the fingerprinting background check from the Missouri Automated Criminal History System.
Each YSP program handles the youth protection process differently. First-time volunteers, read the instructions below for your primary position:
Summer Focus
All Summer Focus volunteers (Mentors, Tutors, leadership) must complete the background check and training before the program begins. Research Boot Camp volunteers are the only exception, since they will never interact with minors one-on-one without Summer Focus leadership present.
The Summer Focus Directors will coordinate this process with the Youth Protection Committee during the annual registration process. Volunteers will receive emails with further instructions in the spring (April/May, ahead of that summer’s program). You do not need to initiate the background check or training on your own.
YSP will cover the background check costs for Summer Focus volunteers. If you drop out after the background check is completed but before the program begins, the cost will be billed to your tuition account and you will be responsible for paying.
Continuing Mentoring
All Continuing Mentoring volunteers (Mentors, Cohort Liaisons, leadership) must complete the background check and training before that year’s program begins.
The Continuing Mentoring Directors will coordinate this process with the Youth Protection Committee during the annual registration process. Volunteers will receive emails with further instructions in the fall (August/September, ahead of that fall’s curriculum). You do not need to initiate the background check or training on your own.
YSP will cover the background check costs for Continuing Mentoring volunteers. If you drop out after the background check is completed but before the program begins, the cost will be billed to your tuition account and you will be responsible for paying.
Teaching Teams
Most Teaching Teams volunteers do not need to complete the background check and training process, since participating minors will always be accompanied by someone responsible for their care and supervision (i.e. a parent, legal guardian, or school/organization chaperone).
Teaching Teams Heads must complete the background check and training. The Teaching Teams Directors will coordinate this process with the Youth Protection Committee during the annual registration. Leadership will receive emails with further instructions when this occurs. YSP will cover the background check costs for Teaching Teams leadership.
Any questions? Contact us!
For program-specific questions, contact the corresponding program’s Directors.
All other inquiries, email the YSP Executive Directors at ysp.director@wustl.edu
YSP is entirely run by volunteers, so please allow at least one week for a reply.