Youth in Philanthropy program empowers students to direct over $22K in community grants

Among the recipients were the Medicine Hat Family Service, Medicine Hat SPCA, Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta, Brooks Food Bank Foundation, County of Forty Mile Foodbank Society, Cantara Safe House, Ronald McDonald House and Harvest Sky Animal Rescue.

Megan Schwab, a teacher at St. Michael’s School in Bow Island, said the program helps students recognize they can make a meaningful difference in their communities while building empathy, leadership and confidence.

The largest individual grants of $1,950 were awarded by several participating groups, including students from McMan BOOST/Kickstand Youth Advisory, Medicine Hat High School’s Rotary Interact Club, Medicine Hat Public Library’s TIC TAC group, St. Michael’s School in Bow Island and South Central High School’s Leadership Group.

Students from Brooks Composite High School split $1,950 between The Champion’s Centre and the Brooks Food Bank Foundation, while Crescent Heights High School leadership classes supported the Medicine Hat SPCA, Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, Kids Cancer Care Society, the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta and the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund.

Other grants went to Bridges Family Resources, Newell Housing Foundation, Bow Island Golden Age Club, Foremost Municipal Library, Foremost & District Historical Society and the Oyen & District Food Bank Association.

The Community Foundation said the program is funded through its Youth Endowment Fund, which invests donations permanently and uses annual investment income to support student-directed grants each year.

The foundation says the approach gives young people hands-on experience with charitable giving while helping develop leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills.

by Jett Schwaier

Youth in Philanthropy program empowers students to direct over $22K in community grants

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