February 2026

By: Jessica Hardiman “How did you get into a career like this?” I was recruiting at Utah State University’s Study Abroad Fair last week when students kept asking me that question. Each time, it stopped me in my tracks. I smiled, because the honest answer isn’t short. I didn’t start college with a clear plan. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, what degree I would finish with, or where I was heading. In fact, I changed my undergraduate major more times than I care to admit. Eno

By: Jordan Taylor Building Community, Empowering Youth, and Leading with Purpose in Ecuador At the heart of Youthlinc’s work in Ecuador is Evelyn Yucailla, an architect, community organizer, and passionate advocate for youth and women as drivers of lasting change. Evelyn serves as the Director and Program Coordinator of Fundación Nukari , one of Youthlinc’s key in-country partners in Ecuador. Her work centers on community development, youth leadership, gender equity, and hu

By: Kylee Finch How do you put into words the experience that you have seeing the world and all good within it? How do you put into words how much your life changes when you experience all of what the world has to offer in villages from around the world? Short answer you really can’t, long answer is the stories I have from my experience.   I have been on two Youthlinc service year trips now and each year my life is impacted more and more. The summer of 2024 I was on my first

By: Nathan Anderson Over the holiday season, Youthlinc sent out two  Friends and Family trips rooted in connection, curiosity, and shared reflection. This journey brought together people of different ages, backgrounds, and relationships, united by a desire to learn, listen, and experience life beyond our usual routines. Over the course of the trip, we engaged with Cuban communities in meaningful ways through cultural exchange, conversations with local partners, moments of ser