The Foundation for MetroWest, the only community foundation serving the MetroWest region of Greater Boston, this week announced 32 students will represent MetroWest on its Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) Junior Board, including one student from Holliston. YIP has grown to become the largest youth philanthropy education program in the country and has been offered by the Foundation for more than 20 years to middle and high school students across MetroWest. The students will serve on the student-run board, which functions like a nonprofit board and supports the work of the Foundation and the YIP program, during the 2020-2021 school year.

“YIP introduced me to the wonderful work so many organizations are doing in my own community,” said Elise Andelman, senior at Holliston High School. “Being part of a board of my peers has taught me about using my voice to make change and the power young people can have when we work together and get involved. I am so grateful to work with a foundation that is committed to giving us the tools and skills we need to make an impact.”

Once students apply and are accepted to the Junior Board, they immediately delve into assessing and addressing the needs of their community: writing grants, volunteering, and visiting local organizations across MetroWest. Junior Board members have the opportunity to create change by promoting and supporting youth philanthropy education while providing unique leadership opportunities within their communities. They learn not only the ins and outs of how nonprofits operate, but also crucial skills like teamwork, budgeting, and project management that they can carry beyond the program and into their community and future careers.

Andelman will serve on the YIP Junior Board’s Events committee. 

The Junior Board is also crowdfunding for the Foundation’s most ambitious annual fund campaign yet: ONEmetrowest, which celebrates 25 years of service to the MetroWest region. Though the region is comprised of a multitude of towns and cities, we are stronger when we come together as one. For more on ONEmetrowest and information on how to donate, visit www.foundationmw.org/onemetrowest-campaign.

About Foundation for MetroWest
Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the cities and towns in the region, encompassing 700,000 residents from Westborough to Waltham and Acton to Walpole. The Foundation promotes philanthropy across the area, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofits and enhances the quality of life for all our residents. The Foundation is supported by a wide range of businesses, individuals, community groups and other philanthropic organizations. Since inception, the Foundation has granted $23 million to its nonprofit partners and currently stewards more than $26 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, visit http://www.foundationmw.org/ or call 508-647-2260.

About Youth in Philanthropy

The Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program is a 15 or 17-week experiential leadership development program designed to empower and educate local youth to become our community’s next generation of philanthropists. Operating 14 programs across MetroWest September through May, YIP is one of the largest and longest-running youth philanthropy programs in the country. Since 1997, YIP has empowered hundreds of youth to invest over $1 million to support youth-serving nonprofits in our region. YIP helps students gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills to take on leadership roles and pursue a lifelong passion for giving back.