With the hope of improving the mental health of Logan County youths, the Student United Way committee is seeking applicants for 2023 Youth Allocations grant funding.
The 28 high schoolers involved in United Way’s leadership development program recently finalized their criteria for awarding grant dollars after four months of learning about the human service needs in Logan County.
Now their goal is to make an impact with the $25,000 they have available to allocate.
The deadline to apply for a grant is March 10.
Local schools, teachers, student groups, nonprofit organizations, churches, and government entities are encouraged to submit projects for consideration. Grants will be awarded in April for use this summer or during the 2023-24 school year.
The students are particularly interested in projects that address mental health among Logan County youth, such as but not limited to counseling and outreach so students know where to turn for help, training for school staff to better support students, peer support for youth, and High School Challenge Days/awareness initiatives.
Additional project requests could also address Substance misuse, such as but not limited to engaging public speakers, anti-drug and alcohol education, anti-vaping programming, prevention, peer support for youth, support for students whose parents/family use drugs, DARE and Neighborhood Outreach Centers.
Students will also consider grant requests that provide food or basic needs to children, such as but not limited to programs that provide meals or hygiene items directly to youths, either at school or in the community.
Applications are available online at www.uwlogan.org or by calling (937) 592-2886.
High school students participating in Student United Way this year include:Montana Buck, Alexis Buffkin, Carter Snapp, and Caleb Torsell from Bellefontaine; Mya Burrey, Evan Carpenter, Allie Henault, and Parker McGowen from Benjamin Logan; Abigail Hermiller, Patrick James, Lucy Jarvis and Zeke Reynolds from Calvary Christian; Brant Parsell, Katelyn Pippen, Amelia Schmiedebusch and Heath Wilson from Indian Lake; Jessie Jacobs, Aliya McCary, Tyler Michael and Kieanna Notestine from Ohio Hi-Point Career Center; Nate Copas, Rachel Knight, Emma Saylor and Kaleb Schindewolf from Riverside; and Ivy Cline, Abbigayle Long, Makenna Smith and Carter Titus from West Liberty-Salem.
Last year, the group received 17 requests exceeding $81,000 for total support.
As such, to supplement the amount they can allocate and to add to the full United Way experience, the students are coordinating a fundraiser: the Major Impact Dodgeball Tournament Saturday, March 25, at Indian Lake High School.
Friends of all ages (middle school, high school, adults under 40, adults over 40) are encouraged to come together to form teams for a double-elimination tournament. Sponsorships are available.