United Way of Martin County is looking for civic-minded high school students interested in joining Students United, an innovative program to cultivate the next generation of philanthropic pioneers.
Students United is a program of United Way of Martin County designed to empower students to mobilize community resources and make a positive impact through the spirit of service. The program is for students in grades 9-11 who are Martin County residents and are interested in developing leadership skills while learning about community needs and volunteer opportunities. Students visit local non-profit agencies where they learn about the services they provide and the clients they serve.
The program takes place over 10 sessions culminating with the opportunity for students to take what they've learned, collaborate with one another, and participate in United Way of Martin County's grant allocation process to decide which non-profit programs in Martin County will receive funding.
The program objectives include:
- Give students a better understanding of our community's health, financial stability, and education needs.
- Educate students on how non-profits apply for and receive investment dollars from the United Way.
- Students will learn how to evaluate the impact of programs that target community issues.
- Students will understand how non-profit agencies operate and their challenges when working with limited resources.
- Students will be given opportunities to volunteer at local organizations.
- Students will develop leadership skills in a safe environment.
Time commitment includes:
- 10 monthly meetings/volunteer experiences providing up to 25 - 30 volunteer hours
- Meetings will be held in person after the school day, typically on the second Wednesday of the month from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Expectations of students:
- Students are encouraged to participate in all meetings.
- The program will run from October - May. Each month students will explore a different facet of non-profits in Martin County while engaging in volunteer opportunities.
- Students will need to arrange their transportation to and from meetings.
- Students must keep track of their volunteer hours and submit them for approval upon program completion.
- Students should advocate for United Way of Martin County within their school and community.
There are currently 14 students that are a part of this program. Applications to be considered for this year's program are due by September 23 and can be found on the organization's website https://www.unitedwaymartin.org/StudentsUnited.
About United Way of Martin County
United Way of Martin County's mission is to lift the community and change lives together through the collective power of advancing the common good. Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to: enhance healthy living, improve education, and support financial stability.