Roseville, Calif. – Five local nonprofits that provide needed services for youth recently received youth development grants from the Giving Circle at Placer Community Foundation during a reception at Blue Line Arts to honor the recipients.
The Community foundation gave out grants, totaling $25,000, to Child Advocates of Placer County, KidsFirst, Stand Up Placer, ReDirect Nuevo Camino, and Placer County 4-H Robotics Project. This funding will support programs that serve youth and young adults ages 14-21. Such programs offer opportunities for young people to learn critical life and leadership skills and form lasting relationships; providing them with a stronger sense of belonging, empowerment and a bright future.
One of the grantees, the Placer County 4-H Robotics program, allows youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds to engage with their peers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and consists of high school students from six Placer County High Schools. While the students engage in the engineering process, adult mentors that work in high tech industries impart problem solving, technical skills, and demonstrate the power of community involvement with the students. This First Robotics Competition project combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology while helping to prepare youth for future high tech positions in the workplace.
Over its six year history, the Giving Circle has granted over $150,000 to local youth serving organizations through the Youth Development program. Local individuals and businesses join the Circle because of their commitment to the cause and the unique ability to serve as hands-on reviewers of the grant proposals. Jason Cardinet, CPA and Giving Circle member explains, “It’s rewarding to know that my contribution to the Giving Circle is leveraged to support kids reaching their full potential in life.”
