Youth As Resources (YAR) Grants

Funder: United Way of Kenosha County in partnership with University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension

Purpose:
Funds youth-designed and youth-led community service projects in Kenosha County with youth speaking up for and addressing community needs.

Geographic Scope: Kenosha County, Wisconsin

Program Description:
Youth As Resources is a youth empowerment program that fosters complete youth involvement, including leading approved service projects and reviewing and allocating grant funds. The YAR Board consists of nine high school members and three adult members, with all executive officer positions being fulfilled by student members.

Award Structure:

• Grants awarded to youth-led service projects
• Approximately $5,000 total awarded across approximately 14 grants annually (based on 2021-2022 data)

Focus Areas:

• Community service projects addressing local needs
• Youth leadership development
• Community improvement and engagement

Eligibility:

• High school and middle school student groups/organizations
• Youth-designed and youth-led projects
• Projects that address community needs in Kenosha County

Program History:
For more than 10 years, United Way of Kenosha County and University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension have partnered with Youth As Resources to help bring student ideas to life.

Contact Information:

• Marisa Markowski, Resource Development Manager
• Email: mmarkowski@kenoshaunitedway.org
• Phone: (262) 671-2208

Application Process

Specific application procedures not detailed in available materials. Contact Marisa Markowski for application information.

Key Process Elements:

• Students submit project proposals
• YAR Board (comprised of 9 high school students and 3 adults) reviews proposals
• Student board members vote on which projects receive funding
• Approved projects receive grants to implement their youth-led service initiatives