Youth Programs
2023 Participants Kylie Arbogast and Ava Summers
Youth Employment Program
The Youth Employment Program (YEP) offers Highland youth ages 14-18 work experience and educational sessions to help them now and in the years to come with personal and career development. For some, this is their first workforce experience. For those who have experience, it is an opportunity to become more capable and develop leadership abilities. Participants of YEP learn the importance of: professionalism, getting to work on time, treating others with respect, taking initiative, and other soft skills. YEP’s mission is to offer the youth of Highland County a chance to learn critical job skills while also earning income. Worksites have included: local restaurants, local service stations, stables and farms, and the local medical center. Educational sessions center on topics such as: soft skills, resume writing, mock interviews, web design, social media management, CPR training, and financial literacy.
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Youth Philanthropy Council
The Highland County Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) created in partnership with The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, offers Highland County youth to experience the grant making process. The group calls for and receives grant applications from local nonprofits and then participates in various educational workshops in order to prioritize what they believe are the most pressing needs of Highland County. At the end of the program there is a youth led ceremony where the participants award local nonprofits with grant funding.
2022-23 Youth Philanthropy Council Participants