Membership tiers
Every program stays free. Tiers unlock more seats.
Everyone starts as an Explorer for free, forever. Optional Ko-fi memberships fund software, materials, and event costs — and open tier-gated program signups as a thank-you.
Free · default
- All free programs & volunteer shifts
- Verified hours & certificates
- Discord community access
$2/mo on Ko-fi
- Everything in Explorer
- Standard-tier program signups
- Supporter badge in the portal
$3/mo on Ko-fi
- Everything in Standard
- Core-tier program signups
- Early access to new cohorts
$4/mo on Ko-fi
- Everything in Core
- Priority placement on waitlists
- 1:1 portfolio feedback session
Tiers are applied manually for now: subscribe on Ko-fi with the same email as your YAO account and an admin upgrades you within a day. If a membership lapses, the tier is removed the same way. Automatic Ko-fi syncing is on the roadmap.
How it works
Three steps, no forms.
Step 01
Subscribe on Ko-fi
Pick a tier on our Ko-fi page using the same email as your YAO account, so we can match the subscription to you.
Step 02
Your tier is applied
An admin upgrades your account within a day. Your tier badge appears on your portal dashboard — that's how you know it's active.
Step 03
Signups unlock instantly
Tier-gated programs open up in Portal → Program Signups. Your tier travels with every application automatically.
Cancel anytime
If your membership lapses you simply return to Explorer — you never lose your account, your hours, or your place in programs you already joined.
Membership ≠ donation
Memberships are recurring support with perks. Prefer a one-time gift with no strings? That's what the donate page is for.
Donate insteadQuestions first?
Ask in the Discord — it's our most-used channel — or email us and a human replies within two days.
Ask on Discord ↗