The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley has launched its 2025-26 Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, welcoming 37 volunteer high school students from 12 area schools.

Now in its seventh year, YEP empowers Fox Valley youth to explore local needs, develop leadership skills, and raise $25,000 in grants supporting nonprofits that serve young people.

Founded in 2019, the program gives students hands-on experience in fundraising, grantmaking, and community impact, according to a news release from the foundation.

“The YEP program empowers high school students to learn and grow and become our future leaders,” Jen Borgognoni, director of grantmaking for the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, said in the release.

“YEP students make a meaningful difference in the community through grant-making and service projects. Our goal is to help them understand that even at a young age, they can still create positive change,” she said.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is Illinois’ third-largest community foundation, serving Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County.

As a nonprofit public charity, it enables individuals, businesses, and other nonprofits to create permanent endowment and temporary funds—all under one umbrella foundation.

Students in the YEP program

Aurora Central Catholic High School

Avery Fick, junior

Nathan Michels, senior

Brecken Oester, class

Jack Swiatek, senior

The Academy (homeschool)

Therese Krysciak, junior

East Aurora High School

Alessandro Aban, junior

Bella Bustamante, sophomore

Mariel Parra, junior

Brandon Rodriguez, junior

Kaneland High School

Jay Maisonet, sophomore

Marmion Academy

Jack Christoffel, senior

Metea Valley High School

Tanya Mehreen Asif Iqbal, senior

Siya Maheshwari, junior

Oswego East High School

Krecel Marie Bautista, junior

Layla Brisbon, senior

Keerthana Chitrarasu, junior

Karthik Gunne, senior

Logan Hong, senior

Sheza Khan, sophomore

Marco Mendoza, junior

Evangeline Miravete, senior

Ananya Singh, sophomore

Oswego High School

Mason Jackson, senior

Cynara Jackson, junior

Rosary High School

Mia Dominguez, senior

Diamanto Mesiacos, junior

Saint Charles North High School

Amelia Thavong, sophomore

Yorkville High School

Rudy Stiles, senior

West Aurora Senior High School

Olivia Bullón, senior

Caroline Escobedo, senior

Xitlalic Galvan, senior

Natalie Guerrero, senior

Angela Olivo, senior

Giovanni Sambucetti, junior

Alexander Soto, junior

Macie Spenny, junior

Zoe Zawacki, senior

Application opens on Dec 1

The Youth Engagement in Philanthropy grant application opens on Dec. 1 and will be accepted through Feb, 1, 2026. By the summer, YEP, along with the Community Foundation board and staff, will announce and award YEP grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, to local social service agencies that address the needs of youth. Interested nonprofit agencies should visit cffrv.org/yep for more information and to apply.

Support youth helping youth through YEP’s “Pay It Forward” campaign. Visit cffrv.org/yep and click “Donate to YEP Today!”