Youth in Action Community Grants
Each Youth in Action (YIA) class selects a focus area in the community that it of particular interest to the class members. Past focus areas have included domestic violence, teen risk management, and homelessness.
Once a focus area is selected, the class issues Request for Proposal forms to local community agencies asking for projects addressing the focus area that would benefit from a grant of up to $7500.
The YIA class then evaluates the submitted RFP forms and chooses several projects to examine more closely. Class members visit the sponsoring agencies and hear from representatives of the agencies before selecting one or more projects for funding. Past recipients of YIA grants have included among others the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, Positive Tomorrows, Calm Waters, and City Rescue Mission.
The selected projects are studied in depth by the YIA class before they begin their fund raising for the project. Class members then work in teams to solicit donations from local businesses and individuals.
The grant funds are distributed to the selected projects at the May YLX Graduation.