JACKSON, WY – The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole’s 2020 Youth Philanthropy Program has awarded $20,000 in grants to 17 local nonprofits.
The Youth Philanthropy Program provides students at all four local high schools a hands-on learning opportunity in philanthropy. Participating students review grant proposals, meet with applicants, discuss effective strategies for community impact and award grants to local nonprofits.
Last December, 23 nonprofits submitted grant applications, and each of the high school Youth Philanthropy groups met throughout the winter and spring to discuss applications, host nonprofit presentations and decide which programs to support.
“All of us at PAWS of Jackson Hole and St John’s Living Center truly appreciate that all four schools saw the value and positive impact of the SeniorPAWS project,” said Jess Farr, PAWS Program Director. “Helping pets and their people brings joy to us all and supports the entire Jackson community.”
This year, over 50 students from Summit High School, Teton Science Schools Mountain Academy, Jackson Hole High School and Jackson Hole Community School participated in the Youth Philanthropy Program. These projects support art, conservation, health and human services, recreation and educational programs in our community.
“It was very inspiring to see our community’s teenagers work on this project,” said Peggy Davenport, Community Foundation Board Member and Youth Philanthropy liaison. “They were all engaged and thoughtful as they considered the nonprofits’ applications and made challenging group decisions.
Each year, the Community Foundation also awards the Future Mr. or Mrs. Old Bill’s Scholarship to a student in the Youth Philanthropy program. This year, Mariela Santelices received the Future Mr./Mrs. Old Bill Scholarship.
With this award, Ms. Santelices will benefit from $1,500 to put toward her college education and $500 to give to a nonprofit of her choice.
