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LA GRANGE – About 15 Lyons Township High School upperclassmen will have an opportunity to help award up to $30,000 in grants to local organizations – thanks to a program run by Community Memorial Foundation.
Young Community Changemakers, known as YC2, is a leadership development program designed to educate and empower local youth to become the next generation of philanthropists – those who give their time, talent and treasure for the common good. The program is based on the vision that young people need opportunities to develop the skills to be the future leaders and stewards of the community, a news release stated.
Students who join YC2 can make a positive impact in their community while teaming up with other high school students. Participants will visit local organizations, delve into community needs and grant money to important causes. YC2 puts the decision-making power directly into the hands of students, empowering them to be changemakers in their communities.
Sixty students from Hinsdale Central High School, Lyons Township High School, Riverside Brookfield High School and Nazareth Academy will be selected as Young Community Changemakers. Program curricula will begin with students exploring social challenges in their community and learning philanthropic theory and organizational evaluation. Students will review grant applications from local organizations, conduct site visits and at the end of the semester-long program, award up to $30,000 to nonprofit organizations that further the mission and vision of Community Memorial Foundation.
All program sessions will be held online until further notice. The students will be divided into two cohorts: one cohort of 30 students from LT and Nazareth; the other, comprised of 30 students from Hinsdale Central and RB. Both cohorts will meet concurrently from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
• The opportunity to have a real impact on the community
Juniors and seniors can learn more and apply at cmfdn.org/yc2. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 5, and can be emailed to Ro Ortiz at rortiz@cmfdn.org.