High school students make an impact with the Youth Advisory Council

September 12, 2024

For the past 30 years, St. Clair County high school students have been positively impacting their communities through the Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

Consisting of students from high schools around the county, YAC is a group of teenagers who create a positive role model for youth as philanthropists, assess local youth needs and opportunities, review grant applications and advise the Community Foundation on youth grant awards.

The 2024-25 YAC year will be overseen by seven executive team members who are tasked with planning agendas and facilitating meetings.

“The council prioritizes projects that will have the greatest and longest lasting impact on not just youth, but every corner of the community,” said Preston Lee, vice president of YAC. “YAC funding enables organizations and individuals to have a greater impact than they would on their own.”

Over the past few years, YAC has provided funds for school supplies, Memphis Schools’ STEM Learning Labs, mental health education for East China students, technology upgrades for Port Huron’s FIRST Robotics team and support for SAT prep programming from the Athletic Factory.

YACers recently toured the Athletic Factory’s facilities in Port Huron with Executive Director Cliff Thomason.

“When we talked with Mr. Thomason you could see how passionate he was about everything they do, which made us happy that our money and grants in the past were being put to good use,” said YAC executive Hannah Dado about their site visit. “When you see how your grant was used and others enjoy what was bought with your eyes and not just on paper, it’s a very satisfying feeling.”

The Youth Advisory Council Fund was initially created in 1994 with a $1 million challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation through the Michigan Community Foundations Youth Project. The project encouraged youth development in local communities throughout the state while strengthening community foundation leadership and grant-making capacity.

The YAC has granted more than $1.38 million to youth-related causes over the life of the fund and currently has more than $1.88 million in endowed assets.

Several students said they have learned valuable life skills through their experience with YAC, including problem-solving, social skills, how to work as a part of a group, how to listen and speak up, and how to manage and spend money wisely.

“YAC has taught me how to be empathetic, outgoing, open-minded and direct,” said YAC President Joshua Kriesch. “When making the decisions my team and I do, we like to leave the meeting with no regrets about our decisions, and that takes the confidence to share our opinion or request in a respectful manner. YAC makes you empathize with those struggling in your community and it makes the process that much more special and rewarding.”

And if any current 8^th graders or high school freshmen are thinking about applying for YAC next year, executive team member Chelsea Montroy has one piece of advice.

“If there was anyone contemplating joining the YAC, I have just two words – do it!” Montroy said. “If someone loves to help others, collaborate ideas with a group, or even just wants to get a better understanding of individuals in the community, this is an amazing group to get into. Everyone has been so kind to me as I am starting my journey with the YAC, and I can ensure it will be just as amazing for anyone else wanting to be a part of the change.”