Recently Awarded Youth Grants

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This is a brief sampling of the grants Awarded in 2015 by the Cadillac & Kellogg for Youth Committee.  The mission of the Youth Grant Program is to fund programs and projects that impact area youth, ages 0 – 18.  Because these are new grants, photos may not be available.  As the programs take place, photos will be added.

$1,000 – CREATIVE WRITING WITH AUTHOR JONATHON RAND

Jonathon Rand, author of over 90 books, wrote the  popular “Michigan Chillers” series. During his presentation to the 5th and 6th grade students  at Mackinaw Trail, he will engage his audience in learning and becoming excited about writing. He will present tools helpful in writing short stories and books; these will serve students in their school years and beyond.

$2,400 – CADILLAC AREA BACKPACK PROGRAM

The Backpack Program provides food for area youth who are at-risk of food insecurity when they have no access to school meals during times when school is not in session.    This  grant award will help to extend this Program to both the Headstart students and Great Start students located at the YMCA, as well as to the students who attend Cooley High School; a potential increase of approximately 150 students.

$1,500 – SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERSHIP FOR CAMP TORENTA

In partnership with members of our community, the Camp Torenta Committee of the Rotary Club of Cadillac,  and the Cadillac YMCA, the Youth Committee awarded this  grant for the scholarship program for needy youth to attend Camp Torenta this year.

$15,000 – 7th GRADE YMCA MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

The 7th Grade Youth Memberships grant will fund youth memberships to the Cadillac Area YMCA for any 7th grader student who attends classes within the Wexford-Missaukee ISD. The grant provided by the Youth Advisory Committee expands this program which supports youth development. “Youth need a diversity of community assets to keep them engaged and help find their niche. The YMCA is one of those assets that helps youth stay engaged in positive, healthy living and youth development opportunities” says Dan Smith, CEO of the Cadillac Area YMCA, when asked why it was beneficial for 7th graders to be offered this opportunity.

$5,000 – TWEEN ZONE – YMCA

The new Tween Zone Program has been awarded a $5,000 grant for their first year of operation.  According to the Program Director at the Cadillac Area YMCA,  Mike Kelso,  “The Tween Zone will provide fun, safe, supervised activities for 8-11 year olds allowing parents to have peace of mind as they pursue their own wellness goals.” The Tween Zone will open  Monday through Friday, from 4pm to 8pm, beginning in mid-September.