The Young Voices program, a youth philanthropy initiative through United Way of Greater Cleveland, concluded for the spring on May 15 when the participating students from Open Doors Academy’s Euclid High School site presented a $5,000 grant to the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.
The one-time grant was the culmination of a five-month program where the students identified issues that impact their communities, learned how non-profits fund solutions through grants, and worked collaboratively to select the Urban League to receive the grant with their chosen impact area of Economic Mobility.
By actively addressing a community issue, the students can:
- Develop problem-solving, planning, and leadership skills
- Establish a sense of ownership and responsibility for their community
- Gain real-world experience that can prepare them for future leadership roles
- Inspire their peers to get involved in the community and work to make a difference
The Young Voices of Cleveland awarded a one-time $5,000 grant to the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. Pictured, left to right, are Joshua Landis, Associate Director of Community Philanthropy at United Way of Greater Cleveland; Jessiah and Makinsley, Young Voices participants from Euclid High School; Bryson Haynes, Senior Director of Education and Youth Development at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland; and Cariss Turner Smith, Director of Grantmaking & Community Partnerships at United Way of Greater Cleveland.
Helping the next generation learn the importance of being engaged in their community is a key aspect of the program, according to Ken Surratt, Chief Development and Investment Officer at United Way of Greater Cleveland.
“We received a generous donation from the Doll Family Foundation allowing us to offer the Young Voices of Cleveland program. They see the benefit, as we do, in educating the next generation about the importance of philanthropy and making an impact in the community,” Ken said. “Through our work at United Way and this program, we want to ensure that every generation learns that they can do well by doing good and helping others.”
The educational component of the program also appealed to Bryson Haynes, Senior Director of Education and Youth Development at the Urban League, who accepted the grant on behalf of the Urban League.
“It is also important to pour into the next generation of leaders about how this world is not a silo where they are in it for just themselves, but how they can continue to serve others and their community."
“I think it is phenomenal to provide the opportunity to showcase, share, and educate the students about the importance of serving through more than just dollars, but also with their time, energy, and talent,” Bryson said. “It is also important to pour into the next generation of leaders about how this world is not a silo where they are in it for just themselves, but how they can continue to serve others and their community.
“We need to continue to pay forward the knowledge and expertise we have as adults to those coming up under us. Young Voices of Cleveland is an opportunity to showcase that through the community efforts of this program.”
Urban League’s programs that focus on education and youth development to positively shape the direction of Cleveland’s youth and help them become successful adults led the students to select the organization for the grant.
“We chose the Urban League for this grant because it is the right choice for us as it helps high school students learn what they want to be in life,” said Jessiah, a ninth-grader at Euclid High School. “That benefits not only us but also the future of our communities.”
About Young Voices of Cleveland
Young Voices of Cleveland began more than 20 years ago as the John K. Mott Youth Fund Distribution Committee, named after a former United Way staff member who cared deeply about imparting philanthropic values to youth. Since then, more than 600 high school students across Greater Cleveland have come together to review proposals and recommend small grants to support programs and services for young people.
This year’s program was led by Cariss Turner Smith, Director of Grantmaking & Community Partnerships, and Joshua Landis, Associate Director of Community Philanthropy, in partnership with Open Doors Academy. The program was made possible through funding from The Doll Family Foundation.
