What Is a Youth Advisory Committee?

Unit of 5 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
3
4
5
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Issue Area: 
Financial
Focus Question 

How does an individual use personal interests and strengths to impact the common good? 

 

Photo Credit: Rotorua Youth Advisory Committee by nzanationalparty is licensed under CC by 2.0

Unit Overview 

Many community foundations have a youth advisory council, or YAC, that is responsible for granting funds in the interests of youth in their community. This unit begins with defining philanthropy and looking for examples in literature. Then, the group invites a youth from a local YAC to speak to them about YAC member duties and the grant process. They determine what issue in their community they want to address with philanthropy and write a grant proposal to the local YAC. If they receive funding, they complete the project and reflect on and evaluate the process.

Service Experience 
The youth participate in a community service project and seek grant funding from a local YAC.
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
What Is a Youth Advisory Committee?
Lesson 2 of 5
Grades: 
3
4
5

The group reviews the list of issues and ways to take action, including those gathered with their families. They narrow the list through consensus. They invite a local Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee member to talk about their work and grant process.

Unit: 
What Is a Youth Advisory Committee?
Lesson 5 of 5
Grades: 
3
4
5

Using provided evaluation or reflection forms, share details about the service and its impact. A demonstration to an interested audience is a great way to show details of the need and service and celebrate relationships and impact.