If you’re serious about becoming a Catholic youth minister, the ProjectYM Missionary Program is where you start.

This is a paid, year-long residential experience designed specifically to launch future leaders into youth ministry with confidence, competence, and community. You’ll receive practical formation, intentional mentorship, and real exposure to how healthy youth ministry actually works—while building relationships with Catholic youth ministers from across the country.

And yes—this includes housing, meals, a monthly stipend, training, travel, and zero fundraising…

The ProjectYM Missionary Program takes place at the ProjectYM Mission Base near downtown Chattanooga, TN. Missionaries live on-site and become part of the team that hosts youth ministry leaders for trainings, retreats, and leadership gatherings throughout the year. While serving behind the scenes through hospitality and care, you’ll also have a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the future of Catholic youth ministry. You won’t just observe—you’ll be formed, mentored, and equipped through every training we offer.

You’ll help create a welcoming, joy-filled environment for leaders who come to the Mission Base, support training events, and build meaningful relationships with youth ministers. At the same time, you’ll participate fully in ProjectYM’s formation experiences—learning proven frameworks, leadership skills, and practical systems you can carry into parish ministry.

This program is a launchpad. You’ll leave with real formation, a national network, and the confidence to step into your first youth ministry role prepared—not guessing.