Every year, Bakersfield North Rotary, other local Rotary Clubs, and sponsors organize and fund KernYes initiative. Its purpose is "to empower the hearts and minds of Kern County’s high school students to become models of character, leadership, and service." This is what KernYes website explains "Combining community and understanding, KernYES! unites youth from throughout Kern County for a one-day youth empowerment summit (YES). This summit focuses on each student’s personal growth and development through group dynamics, workshops, and speakers that address the key components of ethics, diversity, team building, and leadership. By strengthening understanding of the social issues of their community, Kern County’s high school students will return to their campuses inspired and motivated. Through personal empowerment, they become campus ambassadors who demonstrate a strong commitment to “Service Above Self” by creating positive and impactful change in their life and the lives of others (from www.kernyes.org)."