The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Community Foundation is comprised of high school students representing Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, and White Cloud public high schools as well as the homeschooling community.
YAC members—casually known as “YACers”—advise the board on issues affecting local youth and evaluate YAC grant applications. Students meet at the Community Foundation to learn about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, prepare for grant reviews, develop leadership skills, and have fun!
Since our YAC began in 1994, 250 youth have served on the committee, awarding over $1.5 million to support local youth initiatives.
During the 2025-2026 school year, YAC students had the opportunity to learn about philanthropy, service, and nonprofit organizations with a variety of presentations. YAC welcomed Community Foundation staff members, Kathe Scott from Newaygo County Autism Community, Stephanie Kooistra and Jenn Kurnat from Corewell Health, Shelly Klochack and Tyler Wigent of the Headway Coalition, and Community Foundation trustee and donor Peggy Rossler.
After studying the grant review process throughout the year, students reviewed grant applications in March and April and notified recipients of their awards. They awarded $69,400 to 9 programs for local youth.
The YACers also traveled to Lansing in April to attend the Michigan Prevention Association’s 2026 Advocacy Day, held in partnership with Tobacco Free Michigan. They learned about recent developments in tobacco and alcohol prevention and legislation, the differences between lobbying and advocacy, and how to effectively communicate with legislators about issues that matter to them. They also met with State Representative Joseph Fox and State Senator Rick Outman and toured the Capitol.
Finally, we said goodbye to nine seniors who graduated this year. Congratulations to Cayman Ramsey, Lauryn Campbell, Lillian Vanmeter, Olivia Gerard, Ana Doctor, Kaelyn Stephens, Porter Slominski, Zander Trapp, and Olive Weller!
We are incredibly grateful to our YACers for their dedication and contributions to the Community Foundation!
