The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board recently awarded three $1,000 grants to local groups that have created projects having a positive impact on youth.
This year, grants were awarded to One Cool Earth and the Lewis Middle School EnviroTech Class, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County’s Teen Resource Center and Restorative Partners’ Juvenile Hall Book Club Project.
This year the Youth Board received a record number of grant applications, which are all peer-reviewed by the board members. The students went through tough deliberations to decide which applications were the most meaningful for their community and will make the most impact.
With their grant funds, CAPSLO’s Teen Resource Center students will coordinate a trip to Cal Poly’s campus for teens from at-risk environments to prepare them for the future by promoting college and career readiness in a fun way. In order to attend the field trip, teens will be encouraged to complete at least 10 hours of community service.
The Lewis Middle School seventh grade EnviroTech class will work with One Cool Earth to complete sustainability projects, learning about conservation and wise resource use at school and in the community.
Restorative Partners will launch their third Juvenile Hall Book Club and Discussion Group, to increase literacy and support youth in custody who are working toward their high school diploma completion.
The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board is a unique volunteer experience for youth that gives them the control and responsibility of their projects.
Thirty-five high school students from across SLO County serve as a United Way Board of Directors and are given the opportunity to make a direct impact on their peers by addressing the needs of their community.
Applications for 2014-2015 Board members will be accepted this summer. Contact Rachel Cementina at (805) 541-1234 or go online to www.unitedwayslo.org for more information.