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MENOMINEE -- The M&M Area Community Foundation is inviting local youth ages 12 to 17 to join its Youth Advisory Council, or YAC, a program that puts real decision-making power in young people's hands through grantmaking, volunteering and service projects.
An orientation meeting will take place at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at 833A First St., Menominee, MI 49858. All interested youth -- and their parents -- are encouraged to attend to learn about the program, meet fellow members and find out how to get involved.
Through YAC, members will:
-- Learn the fundamentals of philanthropy and grantmaking;
-- Identify local needs and recommend real community grants;
-- Plan and lead hands-on volunteer and service projects; and
-- Build leadership, teamwork, and civic-engagement skills.
Membership in YAC stands out on college and scholarship applications, giving students a concrete leadership story that admissions officers and scholarship committees notice. And YAC members become eligible for scholarship dollars from the foundation upon graduation -- support that follows them into their next chapter.
The impact is proven. Across the foundation's 30-plus years of service, YAC alumni have gone on to become local political leaders, business owners, and changemakers throughout Marinette and Menominee counties.
"We believe young people have the passion and creativity to shape the future of our community," said Kaitlin Deschane, program and operations director of the M&M Area Community Foundation. "The Youth Advisory Council gives them a seat at the table to make that happen."
"Some of the most impactful people in our two counties got their start in YAC. We're not just teaching kids to give back -- we're investing in them, right down to the scholarship dollars we set aside for them at graduation," said Ashley Berken, executive director of the M&M Area Community Foundation.
The program is open to any youth ages 12 to 17 who live in Marinette or Menominee counties and want to give back.
For more information about YAC or the Aug. 23 orientation, contact Deschane at kaitlin.deschane@mmacf.org.