Youth Advisory Committee empowers teens to change their community for the better

Thirty years ago, a transformative initiative was launched in the Bay Area, giving local youth the power to make a difference in their communities. 

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Bay Area Community Foundation, established through a match challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, began with an endowment fund that has since become a significant source of support for youth-driven projects.

By the end of 1992, the Kellogg Foundation had contributed more than $770,000 to the fund, which has continued to grow and impact the community.

Today, the YAC endowment has grown to nearly $2 million and has granted out more than $1.8 million to support a variety of community needs and innovative opportunities. The youth-led initiative provides approximately $80,000 in grants annually, funding projects that address pressing issues and enrich the lives of local residents.

The YAC endowment has not only provided financial support to important causes but has also empowered Bay Area youth to take on leadership roles in their community. As the fund continues to grow, so too does the impact of these dedicated young individuals who are committed to making a difference. 

Photo courtesy of Jayce WoodsJayce Woods, YAC member from Garber High SchoolWe caught up with YAC member Jayce Woods, a senior at Garber High School, who’s been involved since her sophomore year. She’s gained valuable life skills and a drive to make a difference in her community. 

“Participating in YAC has done a lot for me,” says Woods. “I’ve learned to speak up, how to balance listening and offering opinions, and how to get my voice heard.”'

YAC members are responsible for deciding how to allocate $80,000 in grant funds every year. Grant decision meetings take place twice a year, in the fall and spring. Applicants propose projects addressing various needs of youths throughout the region.

The most impactful funding to Woods is providing Christmas gifts to foster children who wouldn’t otherwise receive gifts. 

“The opportunity to purchase gifts for kids who don’t have families makes my heart so happy,” says Woods. “Everybody deserves a gift on Christmas.”

Woods has grown a lot since getting invited to attend her first YAC meeting three years ago by a graduating senior at her school. New members are typically recruited by outgoing members before they finish high school. YAC members are from all area high schools.

“I was nervous at first,” says Woods. “YAC members were from other high schools. As an underclassman, I was intimidated. At first, I barely talked, but as I became more involved, I came out of my shell. Now I know kids from all the other high schools.” 

YAC crosses boundaries, teaching members how to establish connections and develop lasting relationships, not just with peers but adults too. 

The annual Stuff the Bus back-to-school project tasks YAC members with collecting donations to fill backpacks with school supplies which are distributed to students in need at schools throughout the community. 

Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay CountyVolunteers sort items so each child enrolled in the Back 2 School programs receives clothing, shoes, school supplies, and more. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay County)Filling 500 backpacks requires teamwork, leadership, organization and all hands on deck in an assembly line to get the bags packed. United Way of Bay County assists in distributing the backpacks to schools. 

Overall, YAC has helped Woods get involved in the community, recognize its needs, and provided a way for her to help. 

“YAC has been an amazing opportunity and not just on a personal growth level,” Woods says. “The networking connections I’ve made have helped push me further to get involved, to be present and have the confidence to speak up.”

Area youth interested in getting involved in YAC should contact Aaron Faist, Program Officer at Bay Area Community Foundation at 989-893-4438 or aaronf@bayfoundation.org.