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We R Community

The Public Education Foundation is initiating a new service-learning project to help teens discover that they can make a positive difference in their community by providing them with a unique perspective.

Established in 2008, We R Community catapults high school students into the world of philanthropy and nonprofit organizations by transforming the teens into donors. The program introduces students to the importance of leadership, service, philanthropy and the nonprofit sector by giving them the ability to fund programs they choose. 

How We R Community Works

Participating classes are provided $5,000 each for the year-long program. The students spend seven to nine months operating a “mini-foundation” by creating a mission statement, researching nonprofit organizations, reviewing grant applications, funding grants and generally incorporating this program into classroom learning and their daily lives.

The $5,000 grant money comes from generous community and corporate sponsors and is to be used for programs that inspire change and encourage potential in education, the promotion of healthy families, access to the arts or environmental enhancement. 

The students are empowered, as they identify and address the critical community needs that matter most to them. These organizations submit proposals outlining how they will use the funds.

After much research and work, students select the recipients and host a grant award celebration where checks are given to the selected nonprofits. As part of the program, students must also volunteer two to four hours each month with a nonprofit organization. We R Community allows teens to experience all sides of community service.

Four valley high schools are participating in the inaugural We R Community program during the 2008-09 school year. Basic, Green Valley, Palo Verde and Valley High Schools are the first to embrace the concept.