United Way of San Luis Obispo County’s Youth Board awarded a record number of grants to local youth projects this year. The United Way Youth Board selected four grant recipients to receive $1,000 each:
Jack’s Helping Hand: “Little Riders Therapeutic Riding Program” to improve the therapeutic horse riding experience for children with neurological disabilities.
Ms. Babka’s AVID class at Judkins Middle School: “The Power of Imagination through Art” gave students a chance to participate in art to increase their imagination and expression.
Mr. DeCecco’s 5th grade class at Oceano Elementary School: “Oceano Dolphins Grow Healthy” project to build and promote vertical gardens at the school.
San Luis Obispo FFA: “Bottomless Basket Project” designed to reach out to community members who struggle with food insecurity and provide them with fresh food containing high nutritional value.
Youth Board grant applications are peer-reviewed and selected by the Board members. The students undergo difficult deliberations to decide which applications are the most meaningful for their community and will make the most impact.
2016-2017 Youth Board members are Callum Bolger (President), Kendall Hamilton (Vice President), Amina Assal (Treasurer), Matt White (Secretary), Carmen Bouquin (Director at Large), Sean Adams, Ella Attala, Sarah Attala, Colton Campa, Kalena Cirone, Abigail Dorman, Molly Foster, Tyler Frigon, Sienna Gonzalez, Rigel Hall, Justin Hatcher, Cecily Jacinth, Luis Jazo, Nikki Johnson, Chase Kautz, Garron Knox, Carsen Lacey, Jack Martin, Sydney Meertens, Tristyn Meyer, J’aime Radding, Maleah Reynolds, Andie Rupprecht, Matthew Scurria, Chloe Slayter, Erin Spillane, Cameron Storlie, Callan Treur, and Keenan Wells.
These high school students from across SLO County serve on the United Way Youth Board as a model 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 2017-2018 Board Members are now being accepted. Contact Rachel Cementina at (805) 541-1234 or go online to www.unitedwayslo.org for more information.