Above: Last May, a teen philanthropy group presented grant checks to charities they selected. A chapter for 8th graders is opening in town this winter. (photo cropped from Facebook)
Southborough 8th graders are invited to join a Youth in Philanthropy group being launched in town.
In past years, I’ve shared invitations for teens to apply for a YIP. While The Foundation for MetroWest’s opportunities sounded good, the far flung meetings mid-week probably ruled it out for most families. So, I’m happy to share that, with help from the Southborough Community Fund, the foundation is opening a chapter in Southborough.
Southborough’s YIP program is for 8th graders, and will take place after school at Trottier this fall. The foundation is seeking to put together a board of 20 students. Students will evaluate applications and grant funds to nonprofits serving community youths.
The website promotes YIP’s empowerment benefit:
Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) is an experiential leadership development program designed to empower and educate local youth to become our community’s next generation of philanthropists–those who give their time, talent and treasure for the common good.
The inaugural program ran in 1997, and over the past 20 years YIP has grown to become the largest and oldest youth philanthropy education program in the country.
Today, YIP is offered by the Foundation for MetroWest with the generous support of individuals, families and community partners. We share a vision that young people need opportunities to develop the skills to be the future leaders and stewards of our community.
A press release about the Southborough program explains more:
Do you know an eighth grade student who is interested in making an impact in their community and becoming a civic leader? The Foundation for MetroWest is currently accepting applications for their Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program to take place this winter in Southborough. This will be the inaugural program for the town Southborough. Applications are due no later than Friday, October 12 and are available online at www.yipmetrowest.org. Classes will meet at Trottier Middle School on Thursday afternoons, beginning November 8. Eighth grade students living in Southborough are eligible and welcome to apply.
A unique experiential learning program, YIP, provides participants the knowledge to become engaged and informed civic leaders in our community by learning the importance of philanthropy and the needs that exist in our backyard. YIP also helps local youth develop valuable 21st century skills, including critical thinking, understanding budgets, public speaking, reaching consensus, and case-making. Ultimately, the group of 20 students work together to evaluate grant applications and distribute funds to worthy nonprofits working to serve youth in our communities.
A recent YIP participant said, “YIP is a truly amazing program that has taught me an array of useful skills and has given me a new perspective. This program has allowed me to have a new and improved outlook on my community and how I can help.”
Since launching in 1997, the Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy program has educated over 1,250 students who have granted over $1.1 million to over 200 MetroWest youth development organizations. The Foundation for MetroWest is proud to be running one of the largest youth philanthropy education programs in the country.
The Southborough Youth in Philanthropy Program is financially supported by the Southborough Community Fund.
For more information about the Youth in Philanthropy program, visit www.yipmetrowest.org.
For more details, visit their website. You can apply online here.
Updated (9/18/18 8:50 am): The press release initially stated the wrong deadline to apply. It is 10/12. And my caption reference to this fall should have said winter.
