Through a partnership between Wichita Public Schools, United Way of the Plains, and Safe Streets Wichita, Wichita is one of only ten communities to receive the $15,000 Youth Service Zone grant for fiscal year 2021-2022.

Youth Service America (YSA) is a nationwide nonprofit that seeks to increase volunteering and civic engagement opportunities for young people. As part of their work, they created the Youth Service Zone program to fund communities across the country in their efforts to increase youth volunteerism and build up youth leadership.

These funds will be used to support students in Wichita Public Schools who spearhead projects to improve their schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Students in Wichita Public Schools will be eligible to apply for a mini grant, upwards of $500. Students who receive a mini grant will be connected with community organizations and leaders who will serve as mentors and help students receive even more funding for their projects. Students are encouraged to work together to apply for a mini grant.

To be eligible to apply for the mini grant, students must fill out this brief survey: https://forms.gle/QEm7RzfBwogEkPH76. After they fill out this survey, students will be sent the mini grant application. The deadline to apply for the mini grant is October 15th at 5 PM. Students are encouraged to fill out the survey and mini grant application as soon as possible to secure funding.

For further information, please contact Jadie Chauncey at [email protected], Ngoc Vuong at [email protected], or Patty Stuever at [email protected] .