With all of the challenges and issues facing young people today, now more than ever we are proud to do our part to engage youth in the work of the Foundation. Entering its 18th year, the Foundation’s YCI empowers teens to make funding decisions while learning more about the community. These diverse young people impress us all with their talent, ideas, and dedication. The students in this year’s program come from a dozen high schools from Worcester, Grafton, Berlin, Boylston, North Grafton, Shrewsbury, and Westborough.

Their area of focus, determined through a retreat and deep dive process, is: youth achievement, mental health and wellness, and support for refugee and immigrant families.

It has truly been exciting to see how each develops their personal philanthropic views and goals to make a difference in their community. We hope the experience provides them with even more motivation and fuel to continue working for positive change. If you’d like to find out more about our Youth for Community Improvement program, click here.