HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5.3 Youth Mini-Grant Funding Recommendations
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Page 1 of 4
Agenda Item 5.3
DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Youth Mini-Grant Funding Recommendations
Prepared by: Ivan San Pedro, Recreation Supervisor
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider approving the Youth Advisory Committee’s recommended
funding allocations for the Youth Mini-Grant Program.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the Resolution Approving the Funding Recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2025-26
Youth Advisory Committee Youth Mini-Grant Program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Youth Mini-Grant Program is supported by the General Fund in the amount of $10,000 for
Fiscal Year 2025-26.
DESCRIPTION:
Background
The Youth Advisory Committee’s Youth Mini-Grant Program was established in Fiscal Year
2012-13 to support youth organizations that offer programs for middle and high school
students. The City Council increased the available funding for the program from $2,500 to
$10,000 in November 2024 (Resolution No. 128-24). Each year, Dublin-based youth
organizations have an opportunity to apply for grant funding to support programs, activities, or
projects that benefit Dublin youth. Funding is recommended by the Committee, reviewed by
the Parks and Community Services Commission, and awarded to organizations by the City
Council.
2025-26 Youth Mini-Grants
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 program application period was open from September 5, 2025 to
October 1, 2025. The program was advertised via social media, the City’s website, at Dublin
high and middle schools, and was sent to Committee members to assist with publicity. Fifteen
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applications were submitted by the deadline.
Staff used the Mini-Grant Application Rating Sheet (Attachment 2) to evaluate proposals. The
top 10 applicants were invited to present to the Youth Advisory Committee for funding
consideration. Those applicants are listed below, and applications are included as Attachment
3.
Dublin 4 Wellness
Dublin High Diversity Ambassador Program
Emerald Environmental Club
Emerald High Basic Life Support Program
IGNITE Pathways
KathaMunch Teens
Latinos Unidos
MANSE Minds
Sensory Wall
Youth Empowerment in Military Careers
Following the presentations, the Committee scored each proposal using the Rating Sheet.
After deliberation, the Committee recommended the following funding amounts:
Table 1: FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Organization
Grant
Requested Grant Proposal Committee
Recommendation
Committee
Points
Average
Dublin 4
Wellness
$500 Host teen workshops
promoting the seven
pillars of lifestyle medicine
through guest speakers,
healthy lifestyle initiatives,
exercise equipment, and
nutritional guidance.
$500 12
Dublin High
Diversity
Ambassador
Program
$2,500 Fund One Dublin Day,
celebrating the diverse
culture clubs between
Dublin High, Emerald
High, and Dublin middle
schools, as well as the
Diversity Ambassador
Scholarship program.
$2,500 15
Emerald
Environmental
Club
$1,500 Fund classroom recycling
bins and promote
sustainability initiatives at
$1,000 14
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Emerald High and the
Dublin community.
Emerald High
Basic Life
Support Program
$2,500 Fund Basic Life Support
Training sessions at
Emerald High, including
instructors, equipment,
materials, and certification
cards.
$2,500 15
IGNITE
Pathways
(Inspiring Growth.
Navigating
Individuals.
Transforming
Education.)
$500 Fund STEM outreach and
robotics demonstrations at
Dublin events, peer
mentorship teaching, and
equipment.
$500 11
KathaMunch
Teens
$1,000 Fund an original teen-
written musical, Desi
Enough, with venue
rentals, costumes, props,
set design, technical
equipment, and marketing.
$1,000 15
Latinos Unidos $600 Fund supplies and
decorations for a face
painting booth, an Ofrenda
altar at a Día de los
Muertos event, and an
informational booth to
educate visitors on cultural
significance.
$600 12
MANSE Minds
(Manse is an
abbreviation for
the Sanskrit word
“Manase” which
translates into the
idea of mind,
heart, and soul)
$1,000 Provide a series of mental
health workshops, creative
events, and support
initiatives: Feel Better Kits,
Feel it Fests, Letters of
Light, and a Dear MANSE
Podcast.
$500* 13
Sensory Wall $600 Fund materials and
construction of new
Sensory Walls across
Dublin classrooms.
$600 12
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Youth
Empowerment in
Military Careers
$750 Purchase supplies and
equipment for a mini
bootcamp, where youth
can learn about different
military branches and
career options with hands-
on activities and guest
speakers.
$300** 12
Totals $11,450 $10,000
* The Committee recommended only awarding $500 to MANSE Minds to support specific
elements of the project that aligned with program goals. This includes materials for Feel Better
Kits (journals, stress relief items and educational handouts), and art and craft supplies for Feel
It Fests and Letters of Light campaigns.
** Youth Empowerment in Military Careers missed the initial presentation deadline; however,
the Committee held a special meeting to hear their proposal and awarded the group $300, as
$9,700 of the $10,000 in available funds had already been allocated to other organizations at
the initial meeting.
On October 27, 2025, the Parks and Community Services Commission confirmed the
selections made by the Committee and recommended the funding allocations to the City
Council.
Grant recipients will be required to submit a brief project report to describe how the funds were
used and the number of youths impacted upon completion of projects. Grantees are
encouraged to provide photos, testimonials, and flyers used to promote their projects. Those
not submitting a report as requested may not be considered for future Youth Mini-Grants.
Project reports will be delivered at the Committee’s Regular Meeting in April 2026.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Strategy 4: Inclusive and Effective Government
Objective D: Conduct ongoing outreach and garner feedback on services and programs to
meet the community's needs.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted, and a copy of this Staff Report was sent to the
applicants.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Resolution Approving Funding Recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Youth
Advisory Committee Youth Mini-Grant Program
2) Youth Mini-Grant Rating Sheet
3) Fiscal Year 2025-26 Youth Mini-Grant Applications and Proposals
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Attachment 1
Reso. No. XX-25, Item X.X, Adopted 11/18/2025 Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. XX – 25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING THE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE YOUTH MINI-GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City received 15 applications for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Youth Advisory
Committee Youth Mini-Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the Youth Mini-Grant Program is supported by the General Fund in the amount
of $10,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2025, the Youth Advisory Committee recommended funding
amounts for 10 youth organizations through the Youth Mini-Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, on October 27, 2025, the Parks and Community Services Commission
reviewed and confirmed the selections made by the Youth Advisory Committee and recommended
the funding allocations to the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin does
hereby approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Youth Advisory Committee Youth Mini-Grant Program
funding allocation as follows:
ORGANIZATION / CLUB NAME APPROVED FUNDING
Dublin 4 Wellness $500
Dublin High Diversity Ambassador Program $2,500
Emerald Environmental Club $1,000
Emerald High Basic Life Support Program $2,500
IGNITE Pathways $500
KathaMunch Teens $1,000
Latinos Unidos $600
MANSE Minds $500
Sensory Wall $600
Youth Empowerment in Military Careers $300
Total Recommended Amount $10,000
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Reso. No. XX-25, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2025 Page 2 of 2
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of November 2025 by the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk
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Attachment 2
Organization: ______________________________ Program: _______________________________
Proposal Score Funding Recommendation
Total Points (out of 17): Recommend Funding? Yes No
Applicant has received funding
before.
Yes No If Yes, did the applicant submit
year-end in a timely manner?
Yes No (If "No," the applicant
does not qualify for funding.)
Funding Categories
Total Requested $ Total Recommended $
Recommending funding for the following youth activities: (check one)
School Club Sport Organization Performing Arts Cultural Awareness
Health Awareness Other Youth Activity/Organization
Rating criteria: The word “Program” is used below on this form to include services, activities or improvements.
1. Goal Achievement & Organization (Max 5 points)
Goal Achievement: How likely is the group to achieve their stated goals and outcomes?
Not very likely = 0 points | Somewhat likely = 1 point | Very likely = 2 points | Definitely = 3 points
Adult Sponsor: Qualified adult sponsor for management/oversight (minimum requirement).
Yes = 1 point | No = 0 points
Application Completion: All requirements of the application process completed (minimum requirement).
Yes = 1 point | No = 0 points
Score: ______________
2. Needs/Benefit (Max 7 points)
Target Audience: The project benefits Dublin youth.
Low benefit (less than 50%) = 0 points | Moderate benefit (50–74%) = 1 point | High benefit (75% or more) = 2 points
Community Impact: Estimated number of Dublin Community Members who will benefit if successful.
Small (≤ 25) = 1 point | Medium (26–250) = 2 points | Large (> 250) = 3 points
Uniqueness: Activity is unique within Dublin and not provided by other organizations.
Yes = 1 point | No = 0 points
Collaboration: Applicant collaborates with other youth-oriented organizations.
Yes = 1 point | No = 0 points
Score: ____________
3. Funding/Budget (Max 5 points)
Fund Usage: Clarity and detail on how funds will be used.
o Vague/Unclear = 0 points | Somewhat Detailed = 1 point | Very Detailed & Specific = 2 points
Verification: The organization describes how they will verify fund usage to the Youth Advisory Committee.
o Weak or missing plan = 0 points | Somewhat clear = 1 point | Very clear & measurable = 2 points
Bank Account: The organization has a separate bank account for group activities.
o Yes = 1 point | No = 0 points
Score: ____________
Notes/Comments:
City of Dublin
Youth Advisory Committee
Mini-Grant Rating Form
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Attachment 3
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Grant Proposal: Basic Life Support (BLS) Training for High School Students
I. Introduction and Rationale
At Fallon Middle School, a 12-year-old collapsed during P.E. and survived because teachers immediately started
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If something similar happened at Emerald High, most students would not
know how to respond. Paramedics take minutes to arrive, and those first minutes are critical. Basic Life Support
(BLS) training prepares students to act by teaching CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and
choking response. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances. I became certified in BLS last month in
Modesto and saw how valuable and practical the training is, but also how inaccessible it is for students. In our
community, private certification costs can be over $100, and there is currently no affordable program in Dublin
Unified School District. This project will provide certification at less than one-third of the average cost, making it
accessible to students and the community.
II. Program Overview
We will host 3 BLS training sessions at Emerald High, each with 40 students, certifying a total of 120. The sessions
will be led by American Heart Association instructors, and every student will earn a 2-year certification card.
Partnering with HOSA and the Biomedical Sciences program will support recruitment, leadership, and sustainability
so the program continues annually and trains new groups of students each year.
III. Budget
The program will cost $3,600, or $30 per student, covering instructors, equipment, materials, and certification cards.
We are requesting $2,500 from the Dublin Youth Advisory Council, with the remaining $1,100 raised through
fundraising. Since private programs often cost $100 or more, this project delivers certification at less than one-third
the price, making life-saving skills far more accessible to students.
IV. Goals and Impact
The BLS training program has four main goals: to equip students to respond immediately in emergencies when
every minute counts, to build confidence and leadership by giving them real responsibility to protect their peers and
families, to improve community safety by expanding the number of trained responders across Dublin, and to prepare
students for the future with a certification that is highly valuable for jobs in healthcare, childcare, and public safety.
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This will be the first project of its kind in Dublin Unified School District. It will show that high school students can
learn and use these skills to make a real impact, and it will establish a foundation that can continue year after year.
V. Accountability and Community Engagement
The training sessions will be hosted at Emerald High and will also be open to community members if space allows.
We will keep receipts, attendance logs, and training records to document how funds are used. At the end of the year,
we will prepare a short report with results, photos, and reflections from students. We will promote the program
through school announcements, the Parent Faculty Organization newsletter, and community communication
channels so that students and families know about the opportunity.
VI. Conclusion
Basic Life Support training empowers students to save lives. Immediate CPR can mean the difference between life
and death, and my own certification showed me how effective and confidence-building it is. With $2,500 in support,
we can train 120 students at Emerald High this year, offer certification at less than one-third the private cost, and
build a lasting program that strengthens safety and resilience across Dublin.
Thank you,
Neel Karur-Parekh
Emerald High School 11th Grade
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Overview
KathaMunch Teens is the youth-led theater and cultural arts branch of KathaMunch, a
501(c)(3) registered non-profit based in Dublin, California. We are requesting $1,000 from the
YAC to fund our original teen-written musical, Desi Enough. This production will empower
Dublin youth and help them express themselves, develop leadership and collaboration skills,
and connect with the broader community through performance. These funds will directly
support renting out a venue, costumes and props, set design, technical equipment, and
marketing. By supporting this project, the YAC will help Dublin youth build confidence,
community, and cultural awareness while staging an impactful production created entirely by
teens.
Our Organization
KathaMunch Teens was created to give the kids and teens of Dublin a platform to tell their
own stories. Our products are completely youth-driven: we handle writing, directing, acting
music production/composition (one of our songs from our debut show won an award!), stage
management, marketing, social media, tech, set design, and more. We’re guided by our adult
sponsor who oversees what we do, but the decision-making and creative leadership rests
entirely with teens. Since our founding, we’ve successfully staged Arabian Nights, which
drew an audience of over 150 people and demonstrated that Dublin teenagers have the drive,
vision, and talent to lead their own productions. During that production, however, we ran with
a tight budget and timeframe, so this year we hope to be able to expand our reach a lot more
and have an even larger audience since we’ll have more time and resources to promote our
show.
Upcoming Project
Our upcoming musical, Desi Enough, takes place in an American high school and addresses
an issue that resonates deeply with the youth of Dublin: the struggle of belonging and identity.
While the story centers on South Asian American teens, the themes of navigating cultural
differences, balancing family expectations, and discovering one’s place are universal. By
providing a stage for the story of millions of immigrants around the country, we are not only
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validating the experiences of immigrant youth but also encourage empathy and understanding
across Dublin.
Benefits for Dublin
Desi Enough is a musical exploring themes of cultural identity, friendship, love, and
self-discovery. The production blends comedy, drama, and music to tell the very real story of
immigrant teenagers in America.
Benefits to Dublin youth include:
● Leadership and Teamwork - Teenagers will take responsibility for all production roles,
learning skills in collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving.
● Community Building - The performance will bring together Dublin residents to celebrate
youth creativity and cultural diversity.
● Life Skills - Beyond just a show, this production will give lifelong skills such as confidence,
leadership ability, and public speaking skills that will serve them for years to come.
Budget (Use of Funds)
We are requesting $1,000 to cover the following costs: costumes and props ($200), set design
and materials ($300), technical equipment ($300), and marketing, outreach, and contingency
($200). Every dollar will be put towards our production to ensure a polished and professional
performance.
Proof of Fund Usage
To maintain accountability, we will provide the Dublin Youth Advisory Committee with a
detailed expense report with receipts, photos and videos from rehearsals and performances,
and copies of promotional materials. Additionally, we would love to have the YAC come
attend the show!
Conclusion
KathaMunch Teens exists to give Dublin youth a stage for their stories (hence the name - in
Hindi, katha means “story”, and manch means “stage”). By funding Desi Enough, the YAC
will directly support teen leadership, cultural expression, and community engagement. This
grant will allow us to reach more youth, stage a professional production, and share the
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struggles immigrant kids face every day. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected
community - one story at a time.
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MANSE Minds Mini Grant Proposal
1. Organization Description
MANSE Minds is a youth led nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health
awareness, education, and peer support among teens. Founded in 2024, MANSE Minds
empowers young people to prioritize their mental health, reduce stigma, and support peers
through innovative programs. Our initiatives include Feel Better Kits (care packages), Feel It
Fests (art program), Letters of Light, peer led Open Circles (youth led mental health
workshops), and the Dear MANSE podcast, which together create opportunities for mental
wellness, self expression, and community engagement.
2. Project Description and Benefit to Dublin Youth
MANSE Minds proposes to expand our programs to Dublin youth through a series of mental
health workshops, creative events, and supportive initiatives:
● Feel Better Kits: Care packages with journals, fidget toys, and mental health
resources delivered to hospitals, foster care centers, and underserved
communities. Through our international partners in India and Kenya, we also run
fundraisers to support global youth wellness initiatives, teaching Dublin youth
about empathy and global community engagement.
● Feel It Fests: Art focused events where youth can express emotions, reduce
stress, and connect with peers through creativity.Usually once a month short free
art classes.
● Letters of Light: Card making campaigns where teens write supportive messages
for underserved youth, showcasing empathy and peer support.
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● Open Circles/Mental Health Workshops: Peer led discussions often featuring a
guest speaker that provide safe spaces for youth to share experiences, learn
coping strategies, and connect with resources.
● Dear MANSE Podcast: A youth led platform for mental health conversations,
personal stories, and wellness education, reaching local and global audiences.
These programs will directly benefit Dublin youth by promoting emotional resilience,
peer support, creative expression, and global awareness. Students will gain tools to
manage stress, build confidence, and participate in initiatives that make a meaningful
impact locally and internationally.
3. Use of Funds/Grant
The grant will support:
● Materials for Feel Better Kits (journals, stress relief items, educational handouts).
● Art and craft supplies for Feel It Fests and Letters of Light campaigns.
● Logistics for workshops and Open Circles, including venue costs or virtual platforms.
● Training for peer facilitators who lead workshops and programs.
● Podcast production expenses for recording, editing, and promoting episodes.
4. Proof of Fund Utilization
MANSE Minds will provide evidence through:
● A detailed expenditure report for all grant related items.
● Photos and videos from workshops, events, and Feel Better Kit distributions.
● Surveys and feedback forms from participating youth measuring program impact.
● Reports documenting the number of Dublin youth served and lessons learned from each
initiative.
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5. Past Grant Award Review
MANSE Minds has not received prior funding, but our programs have already impacted
hundreds of youth. Feel Better Kits have reached teens in hospitals, foster care, and
underserved communities, with international support in India and Kenya. Our Feel It Fests,
Letters of Light, Open Circles, and Dear MANSE podcast have engaged youth in mental health
discussions, including being educated in the destigmatization of mental health, art expression,
and peer support. Funding from this grant will allow us to expand these initiatives and reach
more Dublin youth.
6. Video Option
We do not plan to submit a video.
Conclusion
With support from the Dublin Youth Advisory Committee, MANSE Minds will continue to
empower teens, foster mental health awareness, and create safe spaces for self expression and
peer support; locally and globally. This grant will directly enhance our programs, expand access
to Dublin youth, and strengthen our mission of promoting youth mental wellness.
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Sensory Wall is a Tri-Valley youth non-profit that is committed to enhancing the
academic and social outcomes of students with autism and other special needs. The organization
builds personalized sensory walls that teach students how to control their emotions, focus better,
and participate fully in class activities. A range of sensory inputs, including textures, music,
fidget toys, and soothing pictures, can be found on each wall. In order to provide students with
individualized support based on their needs, Sensory Wall Inc. works with educators, therapists,
and parents to turn classrooms into stimulating spaces. Sensory Wall has already impacted the
lives of eight Dublin classrooms, serving hundreds of students.
We aim to expand access to sensory walls across various Dublin Schools. While past
installations have been effective in successfully reducing anxiety, increasing regulation, and
encouraging inclusion, many classrooms still have missing components. With these new sensory
walls, students with disabilities will have daily access to stimulating tools that allow them to
progress academically and socially. Teachers will benefit as well because these students will not
be as distracting or unregulated. Moreover, the project gives youth volunteers leadership skills
through constructing, designing, and installing the walls, while encouraging teamwork and
service.
Grant funds will be used for materials and construction of new sensory walls. Some of
these materials for them include textured fabric, fidget toys, Velcro boards, bubble tubes,
artificial turf, and musical boxes. Transportation and logistics for having walls delivered and
installed will be funded by some of the money. Each wall costs approximately four to six
hundred dollars, and the grant will fund more than one classroom in order to have adequate
resources.
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Sensory Wall Inc. will issue receipts for all purchases, records in the form of pictures and
videos of walls constructed, teacher affirmation describing the benefits to students, and written
report of classrooms reached. All these measures will make sure that each dollar goes is used
efficiently and justifies the project.
Sensory Wall Inc. has had a history of creating generous impact. Dozens of students have
benefited from sensory walls, as students’ focus has been optimized with minimal distractions.
Teachers have reported student participation as higher, and families have appreciated the positive
effect on their child. This history is proof of the organization's ability to efficiently use its
resources to generate maximum success.
Sensory Wall will be able to expand this project with the support of the Youth Advisory
Committee, providing comfort to more classrooms. All Dublin students will have access to
learning areas that meet their needs, due to this project's effectiveness, resulting in a more
welcoming environment.
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Youth Empowerment in Military Careers Grant Proposal
Youth Empowerment in Military Careers is dedicated to empowering and inspiring
youth to pursue diverse and fulfilling careers within the military. We aim to provide
support, resources, and mentorship to young individuals interested in exploring fields
such as combat, medicine, cybersecurity, engineering, and other vital military sectors.
We also aim to challenge the stereotype that the military is only combat- focused by
showing diverse careers that media may not show. Through workshops, camps, and
cost-free activities, our initiative informs our patriotic youth about the military and what it
has to offer for them to show that the military has so much to offer from culinary arts to
combat medics, and anything in between.
With the funds, we will run a mini bootcamp where young individuals can learn about
different branches/careers through several hands-on activities and guest speakers who
are active military members or veterans. Through teamwork and leadership building
activities, we plan to teach young individuals about different career paths in the military.
In order for this event to be successful, it is vital for us to purchase learning materials
and equipment for the team. Examples include facility rent, snacks and drinks for the
kids, individual hands-on activities like First Aid Kits, decoding puzzles, drone demos,
and brain puzzles for teamwork.
Our event will prepare students for future opportunities and instill confidence,
leadership, and communication. We introduce Dublin to careers that they may not
normally consider, and we will help students discover passions quickly. We will build an
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engaging and inclusive environment and will reduce the risk of isolation or peer
pressure, ultimately building leaders with character and the next generation of military
leaders and innovators. These future leaders will leave the camp with great memories,
new stories to talk about, and new experiences. As proof of success and positive usage
of the money, we will provide receipts of items purchased, documentation of the event
with photos and videos, program materials like flyers, participant feedback, and a final
report back to the committee. Our organization has not yet been awarded a grant.
According to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, 50% of youth admit they know little
to nothing about the military– Our initiative's job is to fix that. With support from the
Youth Advisory Committee, Youth Empowerment in Military Careers will be able to
provide Dublin’s youth with the right tools and mentorship to prepare them for their
future endeavors and inform them about careers in the military and beyond. This grant
won’t just fund a single event, but will plant the seeds for lifelong community
engagement and leadership.
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