The Community Foundation’s Youth Trustee program empowers young people to take an active role in community leadership. Through this unique opportunity, youth trustees participate directly in decision-making, learning how charitable funds are managed and how local initiatives take shape. The experience offers hands-on insight into philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and civic responsibility, while giving young people a meaningful voice in shaping the future of their communities. By serving in this role, students gain valuable skills that help build the next generation of engaged and informed community leaders.

The program is open to 11th-grade members of the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council. During their first year as youth trustee, students learn the ins and outs of board governance and community foundation work, preparing to serve as a full voting member of the Board of Trustee during their senior year.

A: I am a junior at Sturgis High School, and I enjoy spending time with my family and teammates outside of school. I also love to take time to read as much as I can. I’m involved in numerous sports and clubs that I enjoy being a part of.

A: My favorite subject in school is history because I enjoy learning about the foundations of our world and how they shape our present day. It also inspires me to learn from the decisions our former leaders made during tough times.

A: I am a student-athlete at Sturgis High School, where I’ve competed on the varsity cross country and outdoor track teams for three years. I currently serve as the boys’ varsity captain for track and field. Beyond athletics, I’m actively involved in several clubs and extracurriculars, including Big Buddy, Youth Advisory Council, Public Safety Advisory Committee, Bible Study, and plan to join the debate team.

A: When I was just an incoming freshman, my goal was to make a meaningful impact within my community. After discovering how the Youth Advisory Council impacts our area, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to reach my goal.

A: The Youth Advisory Council isn’t just granting money to programs or local youth, it’s about learning life skills and stepping outside of your comfort zone. It’s about understanding youth issues and discovering how we can help solve them. I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve as a voice for the Sturgis youth.

A: What inspired me to apply was the opportunity to make an impact on the entire community and to learn from leaders who have contributed so much to the success of Sturgis. I also wanted to apply the Foundation’s methods and practices to the Youth Advisory Council.

A: As a first-year trustee, my goal is to understand the financial discussions that take place during meetings. I want to learn how the Foundation functions and how I can start using my voice to contribute meaningfully.

A: My favorite thing about living in the Sturgis community is the opportunities it offers. As a Sturgis student, there are many clubs, sports, classes, and extracurricular activities we can get involved in. I also love how passionate our community is about supporting youth and helping us experience opportunities that other cities may not have.

A: The advice I would give to any student interested in joining YAC or local leadership is to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. While have clubs on your college resume is amazing, it’s even more important to be passionate and genuinely want to help your community. Don’t view clubs as a line on your resume, but as a way to support your community, grow personally, and inspire others.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $41M foundation committed to serving the charitable needs of our community and enriching the quality of life for all people in the Sturgis area. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about now and for generations.

For more information on grants or donor services, email sacf@sturgisfoundation.org.