Youth Advisory Council

Youth Advisory Council

Membership Application: 2025-26 Academic Year
Before you start your application, learn more about YAC below!

What is YAC?

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a collective of youth grantmakers representing the Sturgis and Constantine communities. Each Council meets monthly to grant up to $50,000 annually to youth-serving organizations. When YAC isn't grantmaking, it's planning community service projects and conducting site visits to the organizations it funds.

Who should apply to be a YAC member?
- Individuals with diverse perspectives and life experiences
- Those committed to representing the youth in their community and able to participate in monthly meetings and activities
- Anyone wishing to be a part of a youth-led group
By serving on the YAC, members gain:
- Important decision-making skills
- Experience in group collaboration to award grants that benefit youth in their community
- Leadership experience
- Knowledge and a better understanding of the needs of youth in their community
- The opportunity to practice philanthropy by giving of time, talent, and treasure to help improve the lives of other people
Deadline - Friday, September 19th
IMPORTANT NOTE

Sturgis YAC is accepting applications from 9th grade students.

Constantine YAC is accepting applications from 9th-11th grade students.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Applicant Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Pronouns
School Email*
example@example.com
Grade*
Did a YAC member refer you? If so, write the name of the member below.
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Select the High School you attend:*

Sturgis High School - open to 9th grade studentsConstantine High School - open to 9th - 11th grade students

Application Questions

Please respond thoroughly to each question. The quality of your responses will be the most important factor in deciding new members.
Based on your knowledge and understanding of what YAC is, what is the most significant contribution you feel you can make as a team member?*

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YAC values diversity in its members. What experiences have you had that will bring a unique perspective to YAC?*

0/0
What do you feel are the top two issues youth face? Please provide an example for each.*

0/0
The Youth Advisory Council Grants thousands of dollars annually to projects/programs that benefit local youth. If you had $1,000 to invest in your community, how would you use it?*

0/0
We know that everyone's schedule can be hectic, but we're looking for YAC members who are dedicated to being community Grantmakers and supporting the important work that YAC does. What activities might come before YAC in terms of priority? *
Commitment
Sturgis YAC primarily meets one Sunday afternoon each month. Will you be able to attend monthly meetings consistently?*

YesNo
Constantine YAC primarily meets one Friday morning each month. Will you be able to attend monthly meetings consistently?*

YesNo
Sturgis YAC Interviews
Interview Date/Time: Sunday, September 28th between 11 AM and 2 PM

Interview Location: Sturgis Area Community Foundation

Address: 214 W Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091

Applicants will be asked to meet with some current YAC members for a short interview.

After you submit your application, the YAC Advisor will reach out to you to set an interview time slot. Please periodically check the email noted in your application for details on the time and location.
Confirmation
Parental/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Parental/Guardian Email*
example@example.com
Parental/Guardian Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
By applying, I also pledge to accept and follow through on the responsibilities that come with this position:
- Attend meetings held monthly. If I must miss a meeting, it will be an exception to my regular attendance, and I will give my Advisor at least 2 days’ notice.
- To keep meeting materials and discussions confidential.
- To be a responsible steward of the money allocated for youth in our community. I will form my opinions objectively and without bias so that decisions made reflect the community’s best interest.
- I understand that actions that reflect negatively on the YAC and SACF may be considered grounds for review of my continued membership.
The YAC Advisor, Elizabeth Whitehead, will contact you through the email noted in your application. Please check periodically for updates and the status of your application.

If you have questions, feel free to call the Sturgis Area Community Foundation office at (269) 659-8508 or email elizabeth@sturgisfoundation.org
Should be Empty:

Youth Advisory Council

Deadline - Friday, September 19th

Application Questions

Commitment

Sturgis YAC Interviews

Confirmation