Steve is in his 27th year as President & CEO of Youth Service America. He has been twice named to the list of "The 50 most powerful and influential leaders" by the Nonprofit Times, saying, "Steve Culbertson has helped to position volunteering and young people as an issue and a national priority."
Youth Service America (YSA) is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and make an impact on important community issues. Youth-led projects raise awareness, serve the needy, advocate new policies, and raise philanthropy.
During his time with YSA, Steve developed and spearheaded a range of civic engagement programs, including ServiceVote, and Global Youth Service Day, the largest day of service in the world. Steve also launched the Semester of Service, a school-based service + learning strategy to encourage projects of "Intensity and Duration". He is also a leader engaging the world's youth to take actions that meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. His latest project, “50 By 250”, is to increase youth participation in their communities to 50% by America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
Steve has volunteered with Rotary International, Camp Fire USA, the Boy Scouts of America, the Episcopal Church, and the Lawrence Hall School. He is a Trustee for America's Promise and serves on the board of Youth Service America. Steve graduated from Hamilton College with degrees in English and French and lives in Washington DC.