Project on Youth & Non-Military Opportunities (Project YANO)

Young people don't have to join the military to learn valuable skills, find adventure, pay for college or serve others.

Volunteers at the Work-a-thon for Peace & Social Justice, an annual community service activity co-sponsored by Project YANO.

Students line up at our table to play our Leaders of Social Change history game.

As a member of the Education Not Arms Coalition, Project YANO helped draft a landmark policy that regulates recruiting in San Diego high schools.

Our display at a high school career fair.

Afghanistan war vet Juan Perez speaks to students in a classroom.

Project YANO interviewed on NPR's Latino USA radio program.

Project YANO at a high school assembly.

With Project YANO's support, students organized to remove JROTC rifle ranges from 11 San Diego schools.

High school students learning about non-military alternatives for college financial aid, job training and careers in social change.

Who We Serve

Project YANO primarily serves young people who are looking for job training, wish to go to college or want to make a difference in other people's lives -- but they might not see enough opportunities to pursue these goals. We also work with educators and others who advise young people, and we support youths who are using activism to change their lives, their communities and the larger world they are part of. Learn More

Education Not Militarization - Why the Need for Project YANO

Ways to Actively Help

There are many ways that you can play a role in the work that we do. Project YANO relies on military veterans, students, parents, educators and others who contribute their time giving presentations to young people, doing school outreach, raising funds, and planning actions. These activities are ways that you can help us make a difference in the lives of many young people. Learn More

How YANO is Funded

Project YANO relies on the support of individuals and community groups for 80% of its annual budget. Occasional foundation support brings in the remaining income required to fund Project YANO's community outreach, production of materials, and support for youth activism and empowerment. Learn More

"I recently heard about Project YANO. As an ally in the environmental/peace movement and an individual who cares a lot about investing in young people, I'm saddened by the way that the military is offered to so many young adults, but thrilled that your organization exists." Mary S., Greenpeace activist trainer

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YANO Projects

Project YANO works to inform youths, their parents, teachers and the general community about opportunities for a future without joining the military. Find out more about our programs and community outreach:

View All Projects

Education Not Arms Coalition in San Diego. Click Here

About Project YANO

Project YANO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that provides young people with an alternative point of view about military enlistment. Many of our members are armed forces veterans who believe that high school students are getting a distorted picture of the military and war from recruiting ads and marketing. In particular, we are concerned that many low-income students and students of color are being diverted away from higher education and into the military, where they are found in disproportionate numbers.

Please Donate

Please make a tax deductable donation to the Project on Youth and Non-Military Opportunities with our safe and private Click & Pledge System.

Donate Here

Thank You For Your Support

Thank you for supporting our work! With your help, we will continue to reach thousands of youths directly each year and many more indirectly through the other organizations that use our educational resources. Together, we will build a more peaceful, just society. - Project YANO