ENGAGING OUR YOUTH
SCF is leading the way in engaging youth, creating opportunities for young people to share their perspectives, contribute their ideas, and play an active role in shaping a stronger, more vibrant community.
YPAC
Youth Philanthropy Advisory Committee (YPAC) is a group of youth between the ages of 13-21.
Joining the Shuswap Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropic Advisory Committee gives youth the opportunity to build leadership skills while making a real impact in their community. Committee members gain firsthand experience learning how boards and committees operate, how decisions are made, and how collaborative leadership creates meaningful change.
Youth participants also learn the grant-making process from start to finish—reviewing applications, evaluating community needs, adjudicating funding requests, and helping award grants that support local projects and initiatives.
Beyond governance and philanthropy, members develop valuable volunteer and community service experience while planning and organizing fun, engaging events that bring youth together and strengthen community connections. Through the committee, youth can grow confidence, develop teamwork and communication skills, expand their networks, and discover how their ideas and actions can make a lasting difference in the Shuswap.
Benefits of Joining the Youth Philanthropic Advisory Committee
- Meet monthly with the Shuswap Community Foundation and receive mentorship from experienced community leaders
- Plan and lead meaningful community engagement events created for youth
- Learn how to review applications, adjudicate funding requests, and award grants that make a local impact
- Develop valuable communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
- Gain hands-on experience that strengthens resumes, scholarship applications, and prepares you for your post-secondary journey
