Program slated for July 27 to 31 at the Community Foundation and Watertown-based nonprofits
WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce a new summer Youth Philanthropy Experience, which is set to take off in July with up to 17 rising freshmen who attend school or reside in Jefferson County.
The new weeklong summer program is a chance for students who are entering ninth grade this fall to learn about philanthropy and their community. Ideal students are committed to the full experience and able to attend all sessions.
Applications open Wednesday, April 8, and students will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program is full. Applications are available online at nnycf.org/summer-ype. Completed applications may be scanned and emailed to Community Foundation Philanthropy Associate Emily Pfeil at emily@nnycf.org.
“We are excited to build upon more than a decade of positive youth development and offer younger students a unique summer experience in our community,” Youth Philanthropy Experience advisor Leslie Renzi said. “Participants will gain an incredible insight into the needs of our communities and what makes them thrive.”
During this unique summer experience, students will:
- Receive a broad introduction to community philanthropy, grantmaking, and hands-on learning about the vital work and missions of local nonprofits.
- Attend daily three-hour morning sessions from 9 a.m. to noon at the Community Foundation and participating Watertown-based nonprofits beginning Monday, July 27, and concluding Friday, July 31.
- Be empowered to make a difference in their community through grantmaking and volunteer opportunities.
- Meet local leaders, develop debate and critical thinking skills, and collaborate with peers from other Jefferson County schools.
- Be entrusted with grant decisions that will allow them to directly impact the quality of life of the area. Grant awards students will make are not limited to youth programs or youth-related initiatives.
- Be mentored by community leaders, Foundation staff, and current and past Youth Philanthropy Council members.
“This new program reflects the Community Foundation’s commitment to strengthening Northern New York not only through grantmaking, but by investing in the next generation’s understanding of philanthropy and why it matters,” Community Foundation Director of Philanthropy Kraig Everard said.
Since 2010, the Community Foundation has grown its programs that provide youth leadership opportunities across the region, including the Youth Philanthropy Council and Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge.
Applications should be completed solely by the student who is applying. Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted individually via email.
Contact Foundation Philanthropy Associate Emily Pfeil, emily@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110, with questions or to learn more.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.