APPLY NOW TO BE A 2023-2024 YOUTH BOARD MEMBER!
APPLICATIONS EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31, 2023

 

Are you interested in learning more about the community? Gaining leadership and teambuilding skills? Consider applying to be a member of the United Way Youth Board. SLO County STUDENTS entering 9th-12th grade are eligible for this FUN, FREE program. United Way Youth Board Application Eligibility requirements:

• Must be enrolled at a San Luis Obispo County high school (grades 9-12)
• Must have at least a 2.0 GPA
• MUST want to make a positive impact in our community.

Completed applications may be submitted online until October 31, 2023. You will be contacted regarding the status of your application within 30 days from the application deadline.  If you have any questions please contact Linda at 805-541-1234, or email lindawingert@unitedwayslo.org

 

MISSION

The mission of the UWSLO Youth Board is to develop youth leadership and opportunities in the community by building awareness and making an impact through involvement in the United Way decision making process through awarding grants to local organizations.

VISION

The United Way Youth Board envisions the development of a community in which all youths feel inspired to participate in community service while bettering themselves and San Luis Obispo County.

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board is a unique volunteer experience that gives youth the control and responsibility of their projects.  Up to thirty-five students serve as a United Way Youth Board of Directors and are given the opportunity to make a direct impact on their peers by addressing the needs of their community and awarding grants to local organizations.  Each month, students from across the county meet to learn about SLO County and discuss community issues.  At the end of the year, the board awards at least three $1,000 grants to local organizations that are making a difference.  Members of the Youth Board represent the youth of the community, connect with community leaders and provide feedback about youth issues.  They also participate in United Way projects and events, manage fundraising campaigns, and learn about the community and other local nonprofit organizations.  Participating students are required to commit to at least one full term (September through June), and may miss up to FOUR meetings.  Call (805) 541-1234 for more information.

The Youth Board meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 6PM - 7PM (TBA).

YOUTH BOARD GRANTS

Each year, the United Way Youth Board accepts applications for $1,000 grant awards to local groups that have created projects having a positive impact on youth (up to age 19). All applications are peer-reviewed by members of the Youth Board, our group of high school students seeking to increase equity, philanthropy and leadership in San Luis Obispo County youth, and improve programs to better serve our community.

Youth focused applications have an adult ally or mentor and a sponsoring organization if needed. This organization can be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, school, or faith-based organization. Strong projects allow youth in the group planning the project to gain knowledge and skills. Strong projects will also focus on equity by intentionally addressing racial and other disparities in our communities through implementation of these projects. Through this process, Youth Board will help ensure that our United Way can more effectively fight for the health, education and economic mobility of every person in every community. Equity lives at the core of all our United Way work. Youth Board believes a focus on equity is critical to achieving genuine impact.  Selected applications will primarily benefit youth in the community with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, and should be both creative and realistic.

Youth Board is proud to announce the 2023 Youth Board Grants Recipients!

2023 Youth Board Grant Guidelines

2023 Youth Board Grant Seekers Workbook

• Grants must be submitted online by 11:59pm. on March 17, 2023.

• Project funding will be approved on or around April 1, 2023.

• An oral progress report (via Zoom meeting) will be required on May 15, 2023.

• Projects need to be completed and funds spent by September 30, 2023.

• A final report is due November 30, 2023.

Grant applications open in January! We encourage all youth serving organizations or agencies to apply next year. Special thanks to our Youth Board sponsor Balance Treatment Center for your ongoing support Questions? Contact Linda or call (805) 541-1234.

Congratulations to our 2023 Future in Bloom Halpin Leadership Scholarship Awardees

10th Anniversary Video

2018-2019 Youth Board promoting 2-1-1 SLO County in this TV spot

10th Anniversary Youth Board Celebration Video

Music Video

This music video was created by our 2014-15 Youth Board to express how much fun they had being a part of the board.

Youth2You

Started in March 2018, members of the United Way Youth Board recorded Episode 1 of their radio show, Youth2You. Continuing in 2019, listen to recent episodes that are aired LIVE on KYXZ LP 107.9 FM in South SLO County, Youth2You is a youth radio show about what high school students think about current events and how they relate to our community. Listen to episodes below:

Why LIVE UNITED video!

 

"My family would like to thank you for providing the Youth Board program. My daughter has learned the procedures and effectiveness of structure and making a difference through serving on the United Way Youth Board. She had continued what she has learned from United Way in other areas of her life which include college, service work, and commitment to her school and family. I am pleased that she has learned through her experiences participating with United Way. Continue your good work!" Noreen Martin, CEO of Martin Resorts, Inc.