By catalyzing the natural energy and passion of youth, the YSCF Youth Action Board will provide a holistic leadership program that uses the philanthropic process to teach youth how to communicate, make decisions, foster their passions, and align their strengths. Our goal is to develop thriving young adults and authentic leaders. YSCF Youth Action Board members set the goals. They do the work. YSCF and YouthRoots Organization will give them the support they need. As one YouthRoots participant stated, “I love that everything is real: real pitches, real businesses, real grants and real change. It’s not just a class or simulation.”

This extracurricular youth board will be engaged in 16 week sessions (1-1.5 hours in length, from September 13, 2023 through February 2024) that take students through a 3-step philanthropic process – Community Needs Assessment, Fundraising, and Grantmaking. Participants will impact their community today while learning the skills to enact positive change in our world tomorrow. The third year of the program will be facilitated by YSCF Outreach Manager, Melissa Heston and supported by YouthRoots Organization, area leaders, impact partners, and YSCF staff. The YSCF Youth Action Board is a collaboration between the Yellow Springs Community Foundation, the Yellow Springs Schools and YouthRoots, a youth philanthropy nonprofit based in Englewood, CO.