Middle school students around Jefferson County will have the chance to be a part of community change by competing in an essay contest determining how to use $10,000 in grants.
The Northern New York Community Foundation has joined forces with Stage Notes, a local nonprofit theater company, to create the Community Spirit Grant Giving Challenge, open to students in the seventh and eighth grades.
In September, students will be asked to participate by writing an essay about what the word “community” means to them. They will also recommend the local charitable organization of their choice, which they feel best serves their community.
A committee will judge the applications and varying grant amounts will be awarded. The students will then present the awards to their chosen organizations.
By the year’s end, $10,000 worth of grants will be spread out to organizations chosen by the students.
“A program such as this is part of what Stage Notes is all about. Opening our eyes to what the younger generation sees as the needs of our community is an important step towards our future,” said Stage Notes President Michele Glover in a public statement.
The NNYCF and Stage Notes will work directly with the schools to provide detailed information at the beginning of the school year. Entries will be due by the end of October and grant awards will be presented during the holiday season.
This challenge is partially funded by the NNYCF’s Community Betterment Fund annual giving campaign and a portion of the proceeds from this year’s Stage Notes performance.
“We see this as a way to encourage civic engagement even earlier than we are now ... We also hope this may become an opportunity for educators to blend these concepts into their classroom discussions,” NNYCF Executive Director Rande Richardson said.