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Established in 2008, The Public Education Foundation initiated a new service-learning and volunteerism project to help teens discover that they can make a positive difference in their community by providing them with a unique perspective. 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. We R Community has grown from four schools during our first year to 14 schools this year. Since 2008, We R Community students have awarded $130,000 to local nonprofit organizations and in-school clubs. By the end of the 2011-12 school year, WRC students will award another $70,000, bringing the program's grand total to $200,000! Even in these difficult economic times, community support has been strong and continues to build. A powerful student philanthropy and leadership movement has begun to take hold within our We R Community schools. For more information on getting your school or organization involved or on becoming a sponsor and adopting a school, please contact us at 702-799-1042. Don't forget to check out We R Community's Twitter page. Special Thanks |
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