Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP), a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, is entering its 17th year in the fall of 2025. Open to all high school students in DeKalb County, YEP mentors students into life-long philanthropy, and aims to improve the quality of life for youth in the area. Membership applications are available through September 1, 2025.

According to YEP’s student Vice Chair, Saige Ruback, from DeKalb, “YEP has helped me grow as a student, leader, and speaker, building my passion for helping my community through every exciting meeting and volunteer event. High school students should join YEP to build leadership skills, make friends, and positively impact youth in DeKalb County.”

YEP offers various opportunities for its members, including monthly meetings, volunteer events, and learning experiences that enhance social and leadership skills. The committee focuses on: grantmaking, evaluating grant applications and their potential impact on county youth; grant site visits. In 2025, YEP granted $23,753 to 13 organizations for youth-serving programs and projects.

Interested students can apply online before the September 1 deadline. For further inquiries or information, please contact YEP Manager Kyle White at 815-748-5383 or k.white@dekalbccf.org.

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