YAC sets Priorities for 2012-2015
Posted on January 24, 2012
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will be focusing their resources on the following areas:
- Stress Management (encompassing programs that support and promote anti-bullying and college prep assistance)
- Recreation (focusing on recreation for all- making programs available and accessible to all youth)
- Education
The YAC administered a needs assessment survey to high school students throughout the county to gather their views of issues affecting young people today. The YAC then used this information to identify their priorities for the next three years.
Nearly 80 % of respondents reported being stressed out over issues such as college prep assistance, peer pressure, or bullying. Over 70% felt that more after school activities and recreational programs would deter youth from participating in negative behaviors such as drug/alcohol abuse and increase their self esteem.
YAC also granted over $10,000 to four different organizations touching on each one of their priorities. Those grants included:
- Memphis Community Schools- $3,600 for “Rachels’ Challenge”
- Recreation Departments of Port Huron, St. Clair, Marysville and Marine City- $3,500 matching grant for SCORE
- St. Martin Lutheran Church- $2,000 for Read for Life Program