Youth and Philanthropy

Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) empowers local high school juniors and seniors to take an active role in their community and understand the role of philanthropy in their lives. Participating students come together as grant reviewers to assess community needs and disperse an average of $25,000 each year to organizations addressing those needs. Participants gain skills in consensus building, critical thinking, community needs assessment, and interview techniques.

YAP was first introduced to Tompkins County over eighteen years ago, and now over 200 students from every school district in Tompkins County have participated in the United Way of Tompkins County's Youth and Philanthropy Program. This program is made possible from funding received by the Triad Foundation. 

"Usually as a teenager, you would not expect to be able to deal with $25,000 and act as 'adults.' However, YAP was a student centered program where all the decisions were made by teenagers. I learned that we can deal with important topics too!" - Jisoo Ha, YAP 2017

Interested in becoming part of the 2021 Fall YAP Program?

YAP is committed to the idea that EVERYONE can be a philanthropist. We are looking for a diverse group of students with various passions, backgrounds, and skill sets to help make an impact in our community. Our staff and volunteers are excited to support a variety of students as they gain the tools and community insights needed to be part of the next generation of changemakers!.

This year YAP will be held on Thursdays from late September through early December. Meetings will be held from 5:30-7:30 each week via Zoom. An in-person orientation will be held on a Saturday in late September and will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. 

Apply today or nominate a local student to the program by clicking on the links below! 

 

Youth and Philanthropy (YAP) empowers youth to take an active role in their community and begin to understand the role of philanthropy in their lives. The program accomplishes its mission by enabling students to take part in a process of grant review benefiting local organizations.

YAP is committed to the idea that EVERYONE can be a philanthropist. We are looking for a diverse group of students with various passions, backgrounds, and skill sets to help make an impact in our community. Our staff and volunteers are excited to support a variety of students as they gain the tools and community insights needed to be part of the next generation of changemakers.

NOMINATE A STUDENT TODAY TO PARTICPATE IN YAP!

Nominate a high school junior or senior to participate. Once we receive your nomination, a staff member will  follow-up with your nominee and encourage them to join us for our fall program!

Student Information
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Youth and Philanthropy Student Application

YAP is committed to the idea that EVERYONE can be a philanthropist. We are looking for a diverse group of current high school juniors and seniors with various passions, backgrounds, and skill sets to help make an impact in our community. Our staff and volunteers are excited to support a variety of students as they gain the tools and community insights needed to be part of the next generation of changemakers!

Students across Tompkins County come together as grant reviewers to assess community needs and then disperse an average of $25,000 each year to organizations addressing those needs. Youth participants gain skills in consensus building, community needs assessment, critical thinking and interview techniques.

FILL OUT THE APPLICATION TO JOIN US THIS FALL! 

We are looking for students who can commit to joining us during the dates and times below. If these dates and times work for you, fill out an application and a staff member will contact you. 

  • Saturday, September 25; 10AM - 4PM, in-person location TBD
  • Every Thursday from September 30 through December 2; 5:30PM - 7:30PM, via Zoom

All applications are due no later than September 20, 2021 at 5:00PM. Please submit you application by clicking on the "SUBMIT" button after entering all your information. 

 

What grade are you in?

Commitment to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

United Way of Tompkins County is an equal opportunity organization and is committed to promoting/embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our activities and relationships. We strive to make sure our organization is accessible and welcoming to all members of the community. Click here to read our Statement on Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
 

Did you read our Commitment to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement?

The next three question below are optional. If you feel comfortable, we hope you will answer them. Your answers will help us better understand the effectiveness of our outreach and help us strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Your responses will be kept private and secure. Only United Way of Tompkins County staff members will have access to this information and it will not be shared without your permission. You can change this information in the future by contacting Brandi Remington, Director of Community Impact at bremington@uwtc.org. 

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Which of the following racial designations best describes you? Select all that apply.
Do you consider yourself Hispanic/Latinx?

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How did you hear about Youth and Philanthropy?
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Have you participated in FOCUS?
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Is your agency interested in applying to the YAP Grant Fund?

CLICK HERE. - Deadline is Friday, October 15th.