Claude Moore Community Builders Program Application Opens

The Claude Moore Community Builders (CMCB) program is accepting applications for its 2018-2019 class. Each year through this program, approximately 30 high school students are selected to engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities with well-respected organizations throughout Loudoun County. This year, Loudoun Youth, Inc. has partnered with Loudoun Cares to run the program. This collaboration aligns with Loudoun Youth’s mission to Empower, Lead and Connect the youth of Loudoun.

“We are excited for the opportunity for Loudoun Youth, Inc. to partner with Loudoun Cares and the Claude Moore Community Builders program,” said Steve Wolfson, Executive Director of Loudoun Youth, Inc. “We feel the CMCB program fits perfectly with our vision at Loudoun Youth in many ways. We are looking forward to expanding our impact and help more youth in our county participate in purposeful and significant opportunities to serve,” Wolfson said.

CMCB is a ten-month program that runs from June – March annually. Introduced over a decade ago, CMCB was developed to instill a culture of service and leadership in the county’s youth. Over two hundred students have been part of the program to date, and returning “builders” (students who have been participants in previous years) act as mentors for the new participants. Last year’s program consisted of students representing 15 Loudoun County high schools, worked with 35 local non-profit organizations, and volunteered over 5,000 hours in our community.

Students who have participated in the Community Builders program in the past say it has made a difference in their lives and in the community. “The Claude Moore Community Builders are more than just a volunteer organization,” said Gokul Achayaraj, a 2016 and 2017 builder. “They change the lives of young adults for the better by showing them teamwork, leadership and community participation.”

The Claude Moore Community Builders program is open to high school students in grades 10th - 12th across Loudoun County. Participants learn valuable communication, team building and leadership skills. The application process is open until April 31, 2018. Students who are interested in giving back to the community may apply at www.loudounyouth.org or www.loudouncares.org.

Loudoun Cares serves the residents of Loudoun County by providing the South Street Nonprofit Center, the Information and Referral Helpline, the Executive Consulting program and the Volunteer Center. They are dedicated to building a strong Loudoun County community that ensures life-sustaining and life-enriching resources for every resident. Loudoun Cares serves as a bridge between government agencies, community-based organizations, and faith communities.

Loudoun Youth, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in April 2005. The mission of the organization is to coordinate community resources to assist in the development of youth programs and to create leadership opportunities for young people. They support and develop programs that provide Loudoun teens positive out-of-school activities in safe environments helping them to become confident and contributing members of the community.