Join YEP
Thank you for your interest in Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP)! We look forward to another impactful year of youth-led grantmaking, volunteerism, and community leadership in DeKalb County, IL.
If you’re new to YEP, we encourage you to check out the “Year in Review” video for a glimpse into the fun, service, friendships, and leadership experiences that come with being a member.
All high school students, both new and returning, must complete a membership application each year. To ensure broad representation from schools across DeKalb County, membership is capped per high school. Applications received beyond the cap will be placed on a waiting list. All applicants will be notified of their status after the September 1 deadline.
Applications for YEP membership open July 1 and close September 1 each year. If you have questions, please contact YEP Manager Kyle White at 815-748-5383 or k.white@dekalbccf.org.
YEP Committee Member Eligibility and Expectations
Eligibility Requirements
- Current resident of DeKalb County or enrolled in a high school within DeKalb County, IL
- Between ages 14 – 18 years old and enrolled in high school as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior
- Interested in contributing in a meaningful way to benefit youth in the community
Member Expectations
- Check text messages and email regularly for YEP announcements and respond when needed
- Be thoughtful and responsible when helping decide how grant funding is distributed to support youth in our community
- Form opinions objectively and without bias so decisions reflect the best interests of the community
- Commit to the mission, purpose, and goals of the DeKalb County Community Foundation and YEP
- Serve as a positive representative of YEP in the community
- Help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members
Meeting and Event Expectations
- Attend at least seven of the nine monthly member meetings (September through May)
- Attend at least one grant site visit during the YEP grantmaking process
- Attend at least one YEP-organized volunteer event
- Notify the YEP staff advisor or a member of the YEP Executive Committee if unable to attend a meeting or event
- Keep meeting discussions confidential and approach conversations and decisions respectf
“Through YEP, I’ve gained meaningful friendships, grown as a leader, and built a love for volunteering.”
YEP Alum Takeaways
As our high school members graduate, they become part of the growing network of YEP Alumi. So where are they now? Are they working in nonprofits? Leading community projects? Making a difference in their own way? We sure hope so!
Explore the alum updates below to see where life has taken them—and visit the YEP Alum page to learn more.
View this profile on Instagram
