25 Stories for 25 Years
If there is one Foundation program recognized and celebrated across the region for its meaningful impact, it's Youth in Philanthropy. This fall marked the 21st kick-off of the program, which has experienced tremendous growth over its remarkable history. Through a hands-on approach to giving and grantmaking, Youth in Philanthropy empowers high school students across the region to develop leadership skills as they work together to create visible impact in their schools and communities. During the year, students learn about the meaning of "philanthropy", the nonprofit structure, and the important role volunteerism plays in helping communities thrive. They survey their peers in each school district to build local needs assessments, and then organize their own grant round to suppor youth programs in their schools and communities.
In 2003, Youth in Philanthropy began with just one group of Berwick students. Over the program's history, 650 grants totaling $686,000 have been awarded back into the region through student-led giving. In 2024, a record 18 school districts and 250+ high schoolers will work together to award $90,000 in local grants. The program is excited to welcome new groups from the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Milton Area School District, and Shamokin Area School District for the first time.
After their first session, Shamokin students shared what they are looking forward to learning: "Youth in Philanthropy is teaching us how to give back to people who need it, making a difference in their lives and in our community. We're excited to learn different skills to think outside the box and use our time, talent, and ties to create a big impact."
Youth in Philanthropy is funded through charitable donations by individuals, families, and businesses who recognize the important role of philanthropy in the community and the need to instill a giving spirit in local youth. The Foundation was honored to receive the 2024 Young Philanthropist Award from Wellspan Evangelical Community Hospital in recognition of the program's impact on building strong student leaders and future community philanthropists.
"Youth in Philanthropy, at its core, is about community engagement - as students invest in the communities around them, they begin to foster a loyalty to the area and a passion for giving back. We believe that the impact of this program is a legacy of community philanthropists, ensuring a brighter future for our region. The Foundation is grateful to all of our partners who continue to help this program grow," writes Kara G. Seesholtz, Foundation President and CEO.