In the fall of 2022, Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) begins its 14th year as a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The mission of YEP is to improve the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County. YEP is open for applications and seeks increased membership from DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Sandwich, and Somonauk high schools. Deadline to apply is Friday, September 2.

YEP is free and open to all high school students in DeKalb County. Through monthly meetings and volunteer events, YEP creates friendships, builds leadership, and offers multiple learning opportunities to enhance social and analytical skills. Members learn about nonprofit orgainzations, philanthropy, and grantmaking. A large portion of the year is spent on grantmaking. Members learn to analyze grant applications, conduct site visits, and identify the potential impact on other youth in DeKalb County. Last year, the YEP committee granted $17,023 to fourteen organizations for a variety of youth serving programs and projects.

“At first I joined YEP as something to help me prep for college as well as to put on applications, said YEP Outreach Chair Sofi Briscoe (Sycamore High School). “But after being in it for only a year, I see it’s so much more. YEP helped me meet new people, make lasting friendships, and most importantly, it helped me give back to the youth in my community. I feel really good about what we’re doing through the YEP committee.”

High school students interested in joining YEP must submit an application prior to the September 2 deadline. To keep the focus on being a county-wide committee, a membership cap is in place per high school. Learn more or apply online. For questions or additional information, please contact YEP Staff Advisor Noah Nordbrock at 815-748-5383 or noah@dekalbccf.org.