The Sturgis and Constantine Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program serves as a vital platform for high school students in Sturgis and Constantine to build leadership skills and support the youth in their communities. YAC’s primary role is to review grant applications and decide how YAC funds will be spent on youth-related projects and programs. However, the Council also seeks to give back to their peers and make an impact in the community by engaging in community service throughout the year!

Every spring, the Sturgis and Constantine Youth Advisory Council plans and participates in its annual Spring Community Service Project, which involves partnering with local youth. This year, both YACs continued their tradition of partnering with local elementary schools to teach younger students about philanthropy and the act of giving back. Sturgis YAC teamed up with Eastwood Elementary 5th-grade classes, and Constantine YAC with Eastside Elementary 2nd-grade classes. More than 130 elementary students participated in the activity, and every student received a potted succulent plant to paint with various colors.

YAC members asked students to think of a person who shows them kindness, care, and love while they painted their pot which could then be gifted to that special person in gratitude.

“Participating in youth philanthropy projects teaches the importance of giving back at a young age,” says Anna Brand, Program Officer with the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. “Youth learn empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility by engaging in philanthropic activities. We hope annual projects like these will help inspire and shape participants to be engaged leaders in their communities someday.”

Sturgis YAC teams up with Eastwood Elementary 5th-grade classes!

Constantine YAC partners with Eastside Elementary 2nd-grade students in dedication to past CACF board member Jan Rimer!

Jan Rimer served on the Constantine Area Community Foundation board for 26 years and was an integral part of starting the Constantine YAC program. In honor of Jan, this year’s spring community service project is dedicated to her for the kindness she has shown Constantine YAC while on the CACF Board.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $30M 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.