HANCOCK — The Keweenaw Area Community Foundation (KCF) has announced its Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is seeking new members.

YAC is the Youth Advisory Council of the KCF. The purpose of the youth council is to address needs of youth in Houghton and Keweenaw counties and assist the Foundation in youth grant-making.

Anyone in middle, high school, and college students, between the ages of 12 and 21 who are interested in getting involved in philanthropy, leadership, and service are welcome to join.

The purpose of the youth council is to address youth needs in Houghton and Keweenaw counties and assist the Foundation in youth grant-making.

Now in its 30th year, YAC members have awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to local organizations since it was organized.

In 1992, the trustees of the Community Foundation for Keweenaw and Houghton Counties (now Keweenaw Area Community Foundation) created the Youth Advisory Council in response to a challenge issued by the Kellogg Foundation. The Kellogg Foundation’s contribution of $500,000 to the Keweenaw Area Community Foundation formed the Kellogg Youth Endowment – to be managed for and by youth in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.

The goals of the organization include engaging area youth in philanthropy, community service, promoting leadership, and the needs of local youth. A Tuesday release from the KFC provides the following details:

• Philanthropy – It’s more than just giving money! YAC teaches students the importance of giving time and talent.

• Service – Members take an active role in serving the community through sponsoring charitable events and volunteering.

• Leadership – Students learn how to conduct meetings and make decisions as a group, ensuring every voice is heard.

• Grant-making – YAC awards grants to non-profit organizations and schools for youth-related programs in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. YAC members review applications and vote as a group to make funding recommendations to the KCF Board.

The YAC website says the benefits of membership include:

• Middle and High schoolers: meet new friends, learn what philanthropy means, gain leadership skills, and be involved in projects that benefit youth in your community.

• College students: mentor younger members, learn grant-making from the inside, and gain leadership skills.

For those interested in becoming members, please the YAC website at www.keweenawgives.org/yac

– Those between the ages of 12-21 who reside in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties are welcome to join!

– Meetings begin in October 2022. After the introduction sessions, YAC will meet monthly during the school year.

The Application deadline is Tuesday, September 27, 2022 and meetings will begin on Oct. 12. The schedule is as follows:

YAC will meet at the Community Alliance for Progress Education (CAPE) office located at 417 Hirvonen Hall, Hancock, MI 49930.

Meetings will be conducted after school, typically from 4:15-5:30 pm, but may be adjusted as needed.

• Wednesday, October 12 – “Getting to know you” session

• Wednesday, October 19 – What is Philanthropy?

• Wednesday, October 26 – Trial Grant-making session

• Wednesday, November 2 – Grant-making Meeting

• Wednesday, December 7 – Service and Leadership Meeting

• January – May 2023 – meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month, after school hours.

Further details include:

•- What: Fun activities, leadership training, education about philanthropy and grant-making, service projects, and snacks!

• Transportation: Students must have their own transportation to and from meetings, but please let us know if there are issues and we will try to help.

• YAC Advisors are present at and responsible for organizing all YAC-sponsored events and meetings.

For more information, please visit the YAC website at https://www.keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/yac. or contact the Keweenaw Area Community Foundation at mail@keweenawgives.org or (906) 482-9673.

People can also contact the YAC Committee Members:

• George Twardzik – george.twardzik@gmail.com

• Cassy Tefft de Muñoz – catefft@mtu.edu.

Contacts for YAC Advisors:

• Susan Nielsen – keweenawcape@gmail.com

• Hannah Kariniemi – hannah@keweenawcape.com