Neighbor News
Summer Institute for Youth Leadership Students to Grant $2,500 to the Waltham Boys and Girls Club
High school students conclude summer program by presenting decision to grant funds to a community nonprofit
July 5, 2017 (Natick, MA) — High school students involved with the Summer Institute for Youth Leadership (SIYL) program concluded their session by announcing their decision to grant $2,500 to the Waltham Boys and Girls Club. During a presentation that capped off the program’s four-day session at Framingham State University, the students shared their overall experience with parents, teachers, classmates, and community members
Offered by the Foundation for MetroWest, the SIYL program is a unique extracurricular educational program designed for middle and high school students interested in learning more about running a nonprofit, how donations are used, and the needs that exist in their own community. The selection of the Waltham Boys and Girls Club came after the students researched local nonprofits, reviewed their grant applications and had the opportunity to conduct site visits to four nonprofits. Nineteen students from the following high schools participated: Needham, Westwood, Ashland Wellesley, Holliston, McAuliffe Charter School, Natick, Noble & Greenough School, Keefe Technical, Lexington, Commonwealth School, Medway, Nashoba Regional, Framingham, and Dana Hall.
“The Youth in Philanthropy program really opened my eyes to learning about philanthropy and certain organizations in the MetroWest community that really make a difference,” said Sophie Habecker, a SIYL participant and a rising sophomore at Natick High School. “We are so proud and excited to grant to the Waltham Boys and Girls Club.”
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The Waltham Boys & Girls Club aims to inspire and enable youth to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Club programs and services in five core areas – education & career, character & leadership, health & life skills, the arts and sports, fitness & recreation – promote and enhance the development of young people by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. The club has been nationally recognized by Boys & Girls Club of America for program excellence and membership growth, and will plan on using the grant to support and expand their Keystone Club, a program designed to instill character, leadership, and career development to teens aged 14-18.
The Foundation for MetroWest would like to thank Framingham State University for donating its space during the program. In addition to the SIYL students, student groups involved in semester-long Youth in Philanthropy programs across the region have made a positive impact on the MetroWest community. Read more about the YIP program’s efforts here.
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About the Summer Institute for Youth Leadership and Youth in Philanthropy
The Summer Institute for Youth Leadership is designed for teenagers who are looking to make an impact in their community. This fun, four-day summer program introduces students to the importance of active community involvement. Along the way, participants discover a keen awareness of their own potential and develop the skills necessary to become successful leaders. Similar to our Youth in Philanthropy program, participants work as a team to award a grant to the nonprofit of their choice. Since 1997, the Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy program has been inspiring youth to give back and to truly become invested in the MetroWest community, which is a key to the future success of our region. We are proud to offer one of the largest youth philanthropy education programs in the country which has educated more than 1,250 teens who have granted $1.1 M to more than 140 youth development organizations in our backyard.
About Foundation for MetroWest
Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region. We promote philanthropy in the region, help donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serve as a resource for local nonprofits and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. Since inception, the Foundation has granted $14 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $18 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, please visit foundationformetrowest.org or call 508-647-2260.
