United Way of the Capital Area’s Youth United Way program is one of the most unique and thorough youth programs in the country. It is deeply grounded in volunteerism, youth leadership, community involvement and activism, as well as diversity. The program focuses on recruitment, training and service of students between the ages of 14 and 24 (13 in the summer months) in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties.
The Youth Advisory Council is comprised of two students from each high school, college, and university in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties representing all public, private, and parochial schools. The Council of students serves as a link between all of the communities represented, and they asses various issues that need to be addressed, whether it be violence, drug abuse, or inadequate education. The Council meets to plan and execute service project throughout the tri-county area that target the issues that they have decided to focus on.
To ensure a well-rounded experience, business professionals often participate to inspire entrepreneurship and offer information about various careers.
The Youth Council also advocates political issues by participating in the Peace Jam Project. This national program gives students the opportunity to learn about and meet a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who has worked to bring international peace to countries experiencing political and social unrest. Additionally, the Youth Council joins other youth groups around the country to conduct a service project that promotes peace within each group’s community.
The Youth Donor Investment Committee involves high school and college students in the United Way system and gives them a hands-on understanding of community needs and the experience of funding solutions to community problems. Specifically, the Youth Donor Investment Committee administers a special youth service grant fund, advertise for proposals to address pressing youth issues, evaluate them and award grants to community agencies and philanthropies that serve youth.
By serving on the Youth Donor Investment Committee, students develop leadership skills, learn more about human needs in the community, become aware of volunteer opportunities, and develop a greater sense of community responsibility and citizenship.
Established in 1987, The Youth Donor Investment Committee was the first of its kind in any United Way across the country. Over the past 18 years, the Committee has invested more than $176,261 in 181 youth-oriented projects. To date, nearly 300 students have served on the Committee, gaining invaluable experience and leadership skills.
When school doors close for the summer, Youth United Way initiates its Summer Volunteer Youth Corps. The program is open to students ages 13 to 24. Students are required to volunteer at least 40 hours over a six-week period at local non-profit organizations in order to complete the program. The program also gives students the opportunity to receive training from speakers, adult volunteers, and Youth United way alumni. Organizations also train their volunteers for specific tasks that they need performed.
At the end of the summer, the Volunteer Corps is recognized at an award ceremony.
Click here to request an application to participate in a Youth United Way program. Completed application forms can be faxed to Mi Isha Lowe, Director of Youth Services and Volunteer Coordinator, at (601) 968-8596. Or you may e-mail it back to her at miisha@myunitedway.com.
Net Worth is a one-of-a-kind youth financial literacy and wealth management program developed by United Way of the Capital Area’s Youth Financial Institute. The program educates youth on the building blocks of developing financial wealth and students also receive a holistic curriculum designed to help them reach their potential.
Click here for more information about Net Worth. To learn how you can get involved, contact MiIsha Lowe, Director of Youth Services and Volunteer Coordinator, at mlowe@myunitedway.com
