News & Stories
Leading to Meet the Needs of Local Youth
Leaders are shaped through mentorship, community involvement, and opportunities to learn and make decisions that affect their community. Through our Youth Advisory Councils (YACs), high school students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties are empowered as leaders and to make a difference as grantmakers.
As advisors to our Youth Endowment, YAC members have the responsibility to make decisions about issues affecting local youth by reviewing grant applications and recommending grant awards for youth programs and services that positively support the region, which, in turn, connects them more deeply to their communities. On average, we have 75 students that participate in our YACs annually, collectively awarding $90,000 each year.
“Our YACs are designed to ensure that youth have a voice in their communities and feel empowered to make decisions that impact their peers,” said Torey Caviston, our Youth & Community Impact Coordinator.
Aubrey Manchester, a senior at Kalkaska High School, has been a YAC member since her sophomore year and, without question, recommends other high schoolers to get involved: “YAC gives back to the community directly, and you see the lasting effects first-hand in the organizations you donated to.”
In 2024, YAC members awarded funds to Child & Family Services (CFS) of Northwest Michigan for its program, YouthWork. However, selecting recipients is no easy task.
“It comes down to how much the grantees help youth,” shared Aubrey. “As YAC members, we direct the money to where we see a good fit. YouthWork specifically helped so many kids and teens in many parts of Northern Michigan, which contributed to our funding decision.”
Through YouthWork, vulnerable youth learn essential job and life skills, complete environmental and service projects in their communities, and build lifelong relationships while receiving mental health support if needed.
“YouthWork has had a positive impact on youth mental health in the area because the program has allowed kids to be outside and work with others to build relationships,” said Ella. “These relationships enable kids to connect, feel welcome, and to be a part of something bigger than themselves, allowing any pressure and expectation they may feel to fall away.”
During our 2024 fall grants cycle, CFS received $26,500 in funding to support its youth-centric programming, with a $5,000 Youth Endowment grant directly going to YouthWork, thanks to recommendations from YAC students.
“We are so grateful for the partnership with the Community Foundation,” said Gina Aranki, CFS Executive Director. “New programs take time to establish themselves, so to be recognized for the impact the program is capable of and has already accomplished is a true testament to the faith and trust the Community Foundation and YACs have in us.”
As YAC members and decision-makers for our Youth Endowment, local students are using and growing their leadership skills. According to Torey, “Giving youth the space to be heard, make decisions, and learn from each other is extremely important and is what, I hope, will shape them into even more impactful leaders.”
Writer: Alex Daily