YSAR - Youth Search and Rescue Revenue and Competitors

YSAR is a comprehensive, long-term, development and community learning programme for youth. The programme provides mentoring of youth by involved, 20 committed adults, and an environment in which youth form close-knit peer groups. The leaders are selected from related fields and are vetted and scrutinised for their suitability in help run the programme. Anecdotal evidence suggests that YSAR produces positive outcomes for youth, with parents reporting that the programme has changed their children’s lives. Previous student participants have gone on to pursue careers in related fields. The programme outcomes potentially extend beyond search and rescue and emergency management skills to include leadership and management skills, and improved self-esteem, self-efficacy, and civic responsibility. YSAR Strategic Direction 2016 – 2018 is focused on setting up YSAR as a National organisation and starting to start up regional groups around New Zealand. YSAR promotes engagement and career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through the YSAR programme. YSAR aims to expose students aged between 14-18 years to real world application of science and technology within the Emergency Management and Search and Rescue sector which will improve their skills in STEM, as well as place a higher value on science and technology, both to society through community engagement, and them personally. By understanding the relevance of science and technology to their lives, community and cultures, they engage cognitively with its application which increases student STEM skills and uptake of STEM careers including promoting those of a less receptive demographics in choosing STEM based careers. Moreover, YSAR provides students with the opportunity to become science and technology literate citizens allowing them to engage with science and technology in informed decisions on social-scientific issues affecting their community and country.