MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A group of local students from Marion County high schools were given a unique opportunity to learn about the work of area nonprofits and the needs of their community last Friday.
The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted an event for the Marion Community Foundation’s Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP). The afternoon was filled with “speed networking” sessions with representatives from several area nonprofit organizations, including the Marion Public Library, Peace & Freedom Committee, Marion Family YMCA, Victims’ Assistance Program, and MCBDD.
This group of 15 juniors interacted with staff members from these organizations, gaining insights into their operations and how they serve the community. “This is a first step in learning about the needs of the community and which organizations are working to address those needs,” said YEP coordinator Kate McCleese.
McCleese further explained that events like this lay the groundwork for the grants the students will award later this year to help the community. YEP, a student organization under the Marion Community Foundation, meets monthly under McCleese’s direction. The students learn about philanthropic topics such as how grants and scholarships are awarded and get to know people and organizations in the charitable sector.
This event marks a significant step in engaging youth in philanthropy and community service, fostering a new generation of community leaders in Marion.