Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) promotes civic leadership through a teen-led experience resulting in grants to local nonprofits working in areas of high importance to young people.

Eligibility

All high school students in Worcester County who are interested in developing leadership skills, enjoying working collaboratively with others, and who are willing to commit to participating enthusiastically and thinking critically to create a real, effective change in their communities.

YCI students are typically in their sophomore or junior year of high school, but we encourage all years of students to apply. We believe that every student, no matter your year or amount of experience with extracurriculars, has a valuable voice and can contribute meaningfully.

Participation Requirements

YCI will meet on the following dates from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Greater Worcester Community Foundation in downtown Worcester. We expect that all students who apply can attend and participate in the program fully. A transportation stipend and dinner are provided.

Students can participate for two years and will serve in a further leadership capacity for their second year.

Kickoff MeetingSeptember 24
Meeting 1October 15
Meeting 2October 22
Meeting 3November 5
Meeting 4November 19
Meeting 5December 10
Meeting 6January 7
Meeting 7January 21
Meeting 8February 4 
Meeting 9February 25
Meeting 10March 11
Meeting 11March 25
Grantee ReceptionApril 8

2024-25 Cohort

Read about what last year's cohort accomplished!

The most interesting part of YCI was how one person's perspective could completely shift how we saw things, showing me the power of open-minded collaboration. YCI has shaped how I view philanthropy and how I will approach giving back in the future — I used to think it was reserved for the wealthy, but now I know anyone can make an impact.

- Chloe Cheng, YCI Class of 2024

Want to learn more about this community-centric approach to youth philanthropy?

Read a case study on our Youth for Community Improvement program from The Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy at Brandeis University.