United Way - Youth Venture
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Mobilizing the caring power of young people
As part of its Community Impact strategy to create lasting change in community conditions, UWGN has formed a partnership with Youth Venture New England and Nashua Community College. The partnership seeks long-term benefits for area youth and the community by investing in the capacity of high school students to create, launch, and lead sustainable entrepreneurial organizations.
A youth venture is a team of young people that develops an idea and a basic plan to launch a club, business, or other organization that uses their talents, energy, or interests in creating some kind of positive community impact. Teams present their proposals to a panel of United Way volunteers and if approved, can receive up to $1,000 to launch their organization.
UWGN-Youth Venture involves students in ongoing youth-led organizations, not just short-term projects. The initiative builds on students' unique strengths and interests, so it creates a sense of ownership and responsibility. Youth Venturers typically remain engaged in community efforts when they become adults.
Currently, UWGN-Youth Venture has partnership agreements with Nashua High School-North, Merrimack High School, and Souhegan High School. School-based Champions (typically faculty members) guide teams as they form and apply for grants. Among the teams to receive funding are Rubber Ducky Studios, which creates low-cost commercials for area businesses and free spots for some area non-profits; and Rhythm & Rhymes Records, which provides free DJ services at community events and gives young aspiring recording artists a chance to create a demo recordings.
For additional info, download the background paper and a page describing several United Way-Youth Venture teams that have launched in Greater Nashua..
More than 250 youth venturers from Greater Nashua and North-Central Massachusetts turned out for the second annual year-end regional celebration at Nashua Community College, in May, 2008. United Way-Youth Venture champions, allies, and guests also attended, bringing the total crowd to more than 300.
View the Youth Venture 2008 Video
During the next few years – depending on formal agreements with schools and sponsor funding – United Way hopes to introduce UWGN-Youth Venture to all seven schools that previously participated in Youth Day of Caring.
For Youth Venture enquiries, contact Lisa Conti with any questions at: 882-4011 or send email to:
lisa@unitedwaynashua.org
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