YAC Wants You!
The application period to join the YAC for the 2023-24 academic year is now closed. Check back in early 2024 to apply for the following academic year.
Thank you for your interest in the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee! If you want to make a difference in the lives of young people in our community, please consider applying.
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) has approximately 20-25 Emmet County students from 8th to 12th grades. Emmet County students who will be entering grades 8 through 11 in the 2023-24 school year are eligible to apply. We anticipate inviting up to 8-10 new students to join the Youth Advisory Committee.
The YAC promotes philanthropy and active citizenship, in addition to representing youth in Emmet County. Responsibilities of YAC members include: important decision-making regarding the distribution of grant dollars to nonprofit organizations serving youth, working well in a group, expressing opinions, listening, and actively participating in monthly meetings on Sundays from September to May as well as two dates during the school year that take place during the school day. Participation in service projects and or grant partner site visits is expected periodically.
Youth advisory committee members should demonstrate:
- Commitment and Availability — Attendance at monthly meetings from September to May and participation in service projects identified by the YAC.
- Communication Skills – A willingness to listen and be considerate of other’s input, and to be willing to share opinions with others.
- Critical Thinking Skills – The ability to consider the merits and shortcomings of grant proposals within the context of the Community Foundation’s priorities.
- Unique Perspective – Diverse representation leads to better decision-making, so while siblings of current YAC members are eligible to apply, we must have a preference for those families not already represented on the YAC. Also, to ensure a diverse representation, priority may be given to applicants from under-represented or un-represented schools.
The completed online application for 2023-24 was due by Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Following the deadline, each applicant will receive an email acknowledging their application. Final selections will be made and letters will be mailed notifying applicants of decisions in late April 2023. Students will begin YAC meetings in late summer/fall. Thank you for your interest!
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Ford, [email protected] or (231) 348-5820.