
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!
Is your agency interested in applying to the YAP Grant Fund?
CLICK HERE. - Deadline is Friday, October 15th.