Empowering Students to Change Their Communities Through Philanthropy

Nearly 90 students from 12 high schools in Eastern Jackson County are making a difference in the community through the Youth Advisory Council.

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is represented by the following area high schools and welcomes participation from other metro school districts: Blue Springs, Blue Springs South, Fort Osage, Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit, Lee’s Summit North, Lee’s Summit West, Raytown, Raytown South, Truman, Van Horn and William Chrisman.

YAC large group meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Blue Springs Christian Church, unless otherwise noted. For the 2022-2023 YAC year the dates are:

June 16 - MCC Blue River
July 21 - MCC Blue River
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15
January 19
February 16
March 16
April 20
May 18

Team Leaders meet on the 1st Thursday of each month at the Foundation Office conference room. For the 2022-2023 year the dates these meetings are:

June 2
July 7
August 4
September 1
October 6
November 3
December 1
January 5
February 2
March 2
April 6
May 4

YAC Recruitment

Are you a high school student who wants to make a difference in your community? Would you rather collaborate than compete? Do you want to get involved with other likeminded students? If so, consider joining Youth Advisory Council!

Please contact Diana Castillo at castillo@thcf.org or 816-912-4184 if you would like more information about YAC. 

Perks of Being a YAC Member

1. Review Grant Proposals: YAC members provide valuable insight to the Truman Heartland grants committee. Each year, a team of YAC students review grant proposals from local youth-serving nonprofits and make on-site visits.
2. Practice Philanthropy: In addition to making recommendations to the Truman Heartland grants committee, YAC awards grants to local nonprofits from their own endowment fund.
3. Plan and Organize a Fundraiser: Each year, YAC plans and organizes a fundraiser for their endowment fund, which helps support grants given to projects that help area youth. The 2022 fundraiser, Wheels & Reels, will be held on Saturday, April 30th at William Chrisman High School in Independence. 
4. Community Service: Throughout the year, YAC members have opportunities to volunteer with local nonprofits. In addition to serving their communities, students gain hands-on experience by working with potential and/or current grant recipients and become inspired to pursue their own philanthropic goals.
5. Leadership Opportunities: In addition to being a part of the council itself, YAC members can become a part of the leadership team. Leadership team members organize team meetings, service opportunities and set the direction of key YAC initiatives, giving each student excellent leadership experience.
6. Scholarships: Each year, graduating YAC seniors are eligible for two scholarship awards, the Henri E. Goettel Youth in Philanthropy Award and the Elizabeth Hill McClure Scholarship Award.

How Can I Help Fund YAC?

2 Ways to Support YAC:

1. Give to the Foundation Fan Club to help support the expenses of the YAC program.
2. Support the Youth Advisory Council’s Annual Endowment Fundraiser. This fundraiser supports the YAC endowment fund, which helps fund projects aiding our area youth, such as providing meals in the summer for children who normally rely on school lunches to feed them.