Students from Worcester and surrounding towns direct funding to housing, food, arts and youth programs across the region
WORCESTER—A group of Worcester-area high school students isn’t just learning about philanthropy — they’re practicing it, directing tens of thousands of dollars to nonprofits tackling some of the region’s most pressing needs.
Thirty-one students from Worcester and surrounding communities awarded $50,000 in grants this earlier this month to 11 local organizations as part of the Youth for Community Improvement program, a long-running initiative of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation that puts funding decisions directly in the hands of teenagers.
The program, now in its 27th year, brings students together from across Worcester County to research community issues, set funding priorities and evaluate grant proposals — a process that mirrors professional philanthropy but is entirely youth-driven.
“This year’s cohort was able to award a record amount of funding,” the foundation said in an announcement, noting support from sponsor Webster Five.
Participants, representing 12 high schools including Worcester Technical High School, Doherty Memorial High School and South High Community School, spent months identifying key areas of need before selecting grant recipients. This year’s focus areas included education, health and wellbeing, housing and food insecurity, and environmental initiatives, with an emphasis on projects that incorporate youth perspectives.
The funding supports a wide range of Worcester-based and regional efforts, from winter clothing drives and programs for young adults in foster care to arts education, workforce exposure initiatives and support for individuals returning from incarceration.
“YCI continues to empower young people across Worcester County by giving them a voice and autonomy in funding decisions,” said Pete Dunn, president and CEO of the foundation, in a statement released by the organization. “This program helps students work together through differences in perspectives while developing critical leadership skills.”
For many students, the experience reshaped how they view their role in the community.
“Before starting YCI, I wasn’t sure how much of an impact one person could actually make in our community,” said Justin LaPorte of Saint Paul Diocesan Junior/Senior High School, in the release. “However, through [this experience], I came to the conclusion that leadership isn’t about having all the right answers, but rather, leadership is being willing to ask the right questions. This program pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to realize that I am capable of creating real change.”
Grants ranged from $2,000 to $5,000 and were awarded to organizations serving Worcester and the broader region, including programs focused on youth leadership, food access, environmental education and creative expression.
Foundation officials said the program is designed not only to support nonprofits, but also to build the next generation of civic leaders by giving students direct experience in decision-making, collaboration and community engagement.
