YouthBoard Program

Did you know that students know the issues facing youth three years before adults? YouthRoots taps into the unique perspective, passion, and skillset that youth bring to the world by empowering them to become engaged citizens now.

The Program

The YouthBoard program uses a unique 3-step philanthropic process intertwined with a robust leadership curriculum to teach teens the skills to make an impact.

Each YouthBoard is a mini foundation working to tackle the biggest needs in their community. The leadership curriculum embedded in this hands-on program teaches communication, analysis, critical thinking, and other 21st century skills.

The YouthBoard program is open to high schoolers. Student applications for our community-based YouthBoards typically open in the spring or early fall, and the program runs throughout the school year.

3-Step Philanthropic Process

The YouthBoard program uses a unique 3-step philanthropic process to teach teens how to make an impact in their community.

1. Needs Assessment: We kick off the year by diving deep into the most pressing issues facing youth in our local communities. Participants interact with a Panel of Experts with decades of experience in changing the world and make the final decisions about what issues the group will focus on. Past issues include poverty, education, and mental health.

2. Fundraising: Next students get to expose the community to the work their team is doing by meeting with professional movers and shakers and putting on creative fundraising events. They learn the essentials of giving a meaningful Fundraising Pitch and start bringing in the big bucks by meeting with professionals in the community who are looking to contribute to the most pressing issues.

3. Grant-Making: This is where all the hard work pays off! Teams decide which nonprofits are doing the best at meeting the community needs and give away 100% of the funding raised to these organizations. Students provide much-needed services to at-risk youth who may otherwise not receive them. This program helps develop leadership skills while changing the world!

Bring the YouthBoard Program to your Community

Ready to launch a YouthBoard and see the life-changing impact ripple through your own community? Contact us today at info@youthroots.org to learn how easy it is!

YouthRoots offers various versions of the YouthBoard program, including:

  • Community Needs (general)
  • Equity
  • Mental Health
  • Customize around an umbrella issue of your choice

“For any organizations that are looking for the best youth philanthropy curriculum out there, look no further than YouthRoots!” – Center for Arab American Philanthropy