“It’s really cool to see kids thinking about other people”: Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies’ Volunteer for 15 program encourages meaningful youth community service (Image via Getty: Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes)
Kids are our future. If they spend all their time on themselves or on gadgets, they won’t understand the importance of community service or what it feels like to help others.“I think so many kids in middle school and high school don’t realize how much of an impact they can make in their own communities by helping others.I’m inspired by the YVC [Youth Volunteer Corps] youth volunteers, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish this summer,” Patrick Mahomes said during the Volunteer for 15 launch.
Patrick and encourage youth community service
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies teamed up with the Youth Volunteer Corps for the Volunteer for 15 program.The program encourages youth to make a difference in their own communities. Through its program, the foundation partners with YVC to help teenagers turn their concerns for others into meaningful community service.However, the program’s bigger message is to teach youth compassion, responsibility, and leadership, thereby declaring that even small actions can make a huge difference in people’s lives.The idea is plain and simple: young people between ages 11 to 18 pledge to complete at least 15 hours of volunteer work or community service.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ Volunteer for 15 promotes positive impact
Patrick Mahomes established the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation in 2019. The foundation aims to improve children’s lives through initiatives that support health, wellness, and communities in need.
“The Youth Volunteer Corps is thrilled to have our Volunteer for 15 program in partnership with the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. This program is a year-long initiative, offering opportunities for the youth in our community to make a positive impact,” the YVC’s official website reads.The initiative was launched in 2022. Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ goal is to inspire kids, to recognize the needs around them, and take responsibility and appropriate action.The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback believes many middle school and high school children underestimate the impact they can have by helping others.The organization’s Volunteer for 15 program extends the Mahomes’ foundation mission by encouraging youth to become active participants in community contribution. According to the foundation’s website, participants must complete 15 hours of service.Through the service, the kids will learn to understand people from different backgrounds, respect others, be helpful and kind, and develop leadership skills.
Patrick Mahomes celebrates youth volunteers
The Volunteer for 15 program has produced measurable outcomes since its inception.During the inaugural summer of 2022, nearly 540 young people pledged to volunteer in 19 different cities. They contributed over 12,000 service hours between June 2022 and August 2022, according to the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation’s website.In 2023, contributions increased by 86% compared to its inaugural year, 2022. Nearly 1,000 young volunteers achieved over 22,000 hours of service.
That’s the impact of Patrick Mahomes.The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback heaped praise on the participants for giving back to the community at such a young age.In 2024, the story looked even more unbelievable. Almost 2,000 young people completed over 80,000 service hours across the United States, Canada, and Uganda. They helped raise an estimated $2.6 million in community service value.In 2025, the numbers went even higher than anyone imagined - a 15% increase from 2024.
According to the foundation’s Instagram post, 2110 youth volunteers contributed 92,714 hours of service across 5 countries [United States, Canada, Nigeria, Uganda, and Algeria].They raised $3.2 million in value to the communities they served. 194 different cities were impacted.Top volunteer Carmela from Texas contributed an inspiring 528 hours in 2025. A volunteer named Janessa from Kansas City said, “Patrick Mahomes inspired me to volunteer because he seems like a good person who gives back to his community, and I want to do the same.”
Volunteer for 15 pushes youth empathy through Patrick Mahomes’ foundation
The Volunteer for 15 program turns community service into an educational experience. Through the Youth Volunteer Corps, participants explore projects addressing issues like homelessness, environmental responsibility, and racial equity.Volunteers work in person or virtually. A team helps them understand the serious issues behind their heartfelt efforts.Arrowhead Addict reported a few years back that the Volunteer for 15 program combines volunteering with reflection, empathy, and teamwork.Youth Volunteer Corps CEO Tracy Hale captured the program’s philosophy, saying, “We work in teams, so there’s a strong sense of belonging.We see change in youth, and that’s my favorite part of it. It’s really cool to see kids thinking about other people and not being self-focused.”
The community service is also appreciated by the volunteers’ parents. “That service-based learning is really what makes YVC different,” said Hale.“Parents love YVC because it’s well organized and teaches the youth volunteers so much. Youth love YVC because it’s fun!”The youth volunteers are reportedly recognized for their selfless service through foundation-branded merchandise, certificates, and Patrick Mahomes-signed memorabilia.The first 500 youth to register and complete at least 15 hours of service are sent a specially branded “Volunteer for 15” T-shirt. The youth who completes most YVC hours receives an autographed item from Patrick Mahomes.