Youth Outreach Program

The IMS Youth Outreach Program provides scholarship support to younger members of the community – those aged 18-32 – with limited financial resources who are interested in meditation.

Stepping into an increasingly complex and often painful world, those of us in this age group are in a unique and receptive space to learn and benefit from mindfulness teachings. Leaving home for college, work or travel, we confront life’s challenges on our own. We begin to see what our education has not taught us – how to deal with feelings of anger, confusion or anxiety; how to make sense of the pain, hatred and suffering so prevalent in today’s world; and, how to respond to deeper questions as they present themselves with urgency. ‘What do I want to do with my life? How do I want to live? What is most important to me? What is of value?’

Through the practice of looking deeply into our hearts and minds, and learning how to be with things as they are, we find important tools for exploring these questions and the feelings that accompany them. We learn to meet our experience with more openness and acceptance, and how to embody qualities like compassion and understanding in our day-to-day lives. Participating in a retreat gives us the space, guidance and support to do all of this.

Youth Outreach Scholarships

To apply for a Youth Outreach scholarship, please register first for the course you'd like to attend. You will need to pay a minimum deposit of $50.

Then complete a scholarship application form. Our scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis so please apply early. We can only offer one scholarship per person per year.

Meditation Outreach

IMS staff are happy to visit and support meditation sitting groups at local colleges and communities. We can offer guided meditation instructions, talk about the practice and host question and answer sessions.

Small groups are also invited to visit the IMS Retreat Center to learn more about meditation and its benefits. Please contact us to arrange this.

Help spread the word

Please tell your friends and your community about our Youth Outreach Program and the opportunity it provides to help you sit a retreat at IMS.

Please let us know of any sitting groups, colleges or teachers that would be interested in participating in some way, or any organizations that could assist with funding.

For more information please contact IMS Resident Teacher Chas DiCapua at (978) 355-4378 ext. 410 or chasd@dharma.org.