What is YCI?
YCI is a 12 week youth led program where students come together to identify areas of interest in their community they would like to make a difference in. Over the course of the program, they facilitate meetings that help them develop skills in public speaking, consensus building and advocacy. Together they develop a request for proposals, create an application and review proposals to award $25,000 in grant dollars to nonprofit organizations.
Learn more about the 2022 Program here.
Who is eligible for YCI?
Each year, the Foundation builds a class of YCI students, typically in their sophomore or junior year in high school. Students can participate for two years. Freshman and Seniors are eligible to apply but should be sure they can make the full commitment as both years bring additional transitions, commitments and challenges. The program requires a commitment of Wednesdays from 4:00 - 6:00pm March - May. We will be running a virtual program in 2022 with some potential in person options. We follow the Worcester Public Schools calendar.
If you're eager to make a difference in your community, interested in learning about nonprofits, and looking to work with your peers to effect change, YCI could be right for you!
We are currently accepting applications for the YCI class of 2022. Applications are accepted until Friday, January 21.
Apply Now!