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The YSCF Youth Action Board

The YSCF Youth Action Board

Did you know that students know the issues facing youth three years before adults? YouthRoots taps into the unique perspective, passion, and skillset that youth bring to the world by empowering them to become engaged citizens NOW.

The YSCF Youth Action Board is a diverse group of MMS/YSHS fearless thinking students who are passionate about solving community issues for youth and making the world a better place. The YSCF Youth Action Board, our local chapter of a national program “YouthRoots” is a student driven program with a ten year proven track record of engaging students more deeply and profoundly in their own communities.

Learn more about the YouthRoots Founder and some students who participated in the program, and the impact on their lives.

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 fourth 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.

”Through my experience heading the youth lead Black Lives Matter organization, ysspeakingupforjustice, I have truly seen what youth can accomplish when simply given the opportunity. YAB is putting the power in the hands of youth and teaching students to turn their passion into positive action.“
Arielle Johnson
YSCF Youth Action Board Former Student Co-Facilitator & Board Member
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YSCF Youth Action Board 2022-23

Ella Laws ‘24 – Student Facilitator
Aiden Scavone ‘25
Hannah Parker ‘26
Addison Shafeek ‘26
Cole Oberg ‘25
Cynthia Burke ‘25
Derek Reed ‘24
Evie Thomas ‘26
Jonah Summers ‘25
Loren George ‘25
Malayna Buster ‘26
Nevaeh Singh ’24
Nora Bongorno ‘26
Ru Robertson ‘26
Scout Espinosa ‘24
Sydney Roberts ‘24
Sylvie Peirson ‘27
Tavey Johnson ‘26

Melissa Heston, Facilitator
Outreach Manager, Yellow Springs Community Foundation

How to Apply

To Apply go to the YSCF online application portal. Create your account and fill in the YSCF Youth Action Board Application.

YAB Grants Awarded

Check out the following PDFs to learn more about grants recently awarded by the Youth Action Board:

Contact Jeannamarie Cox

Contact Brianna Ayres

Contact Melissa Heston

Contact Chloe Manor

Contact Teresa Misty Gill

Contact Sara Miller Gray

Donate with ACH Electronic Transfer

Please fill out the form below to contact YSCF or call 937-767-2655.

Contact the Yellow Springs Community Foundation

Contact Kat Walter