Worcester County Teens Award $50,000 to Local Nonprofits Through Youth Leadership Program
By Jerry Filmore
Thirty-one high school students from across Worcester County have awarded $50,000 in grants to 11 local nonprofit organizations through the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) program.
The youth-led initiative, which has been running for more than 25 years, empowers students to identify pressing community needs and direct funding to organizations addressing those challenges. This year’s funding was made possible with support from Webster Five, allowing the program to distribute a record amount.
“YCI continues to empower young people across Worcester County by giving them a voice and autonomy in funding decisions,” said Pete Dunn, President and CEO of the Foundation. “This program helps students work together through differences in perspectives while developing critical leadership skills.”
Youth-Led Funding Priorities
The YCI program runs from September through March, during which students collaborate to identify key areas of need. This year, participants focused on educational resources, health and wellbeing, basic needs such as housing and food, and environmental action.
All grant proposals were required to authentically incorporate youth voice.
At the program’s year-end celebration, students reflected on their experience and growth.
“Before starting YCI, I wasn’t sure how much of an impact one person could actually make in our community,” said Justin LaPorte of Saint Paul Diocesan Junior/Senior High School. “This program pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to realize that I am capable of creating real change.”
Local Organizations Funded
The following organizations received grants through this year’s program:
Andy’s Attic — $5,000
Blackstone Valley Education Foundation — $4,000
Community Health Awareness Network Grows Equity (CHANGE) — $2,000
Legendary Legacies, Inc. — $5,000
Meryl’s Safe Haven — $5,000
Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts — $5,000
Regional Environmental Council, Inc. — $4,000
Rise Above Foundation — $5,000
Total Woman Victory — $5,000
Worcester Center for Performing Arts (Hanover Theatre) — $2,000
Worcester Youth Cooperatives Inc. — $5,000
Community Impact
Through the YCI program, students not only distribute funding but also engage in community research, develop grant programs, establish evaluation criteria, and collaborate across different perspectives. The program provides hands-on experience in leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement.
Students represented schools and communities across Worcester County, including Worcester, Auburn, Shrewsbury, Sutton, Leominster, and surrounding towns.
Residents seeking more information can visit the Greater Worcester Community Foundation website.
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Project / Topic: Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Grant Awards
Current Status: Grants awarded to 11 nonprofit organizations
Key Details: $50,000 distributed by 31 high school students across Worcester County
Funding Source: Greater Worcester Community Foundation with support from Webster Five
Timeline: Program ran September through March; awards announced at year-end
Primary Sources: Greater Worcester Community Foundation official announcement
What We Do Not Yet Know: Long-term impact of funded programs and implementation timelines
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