Youth Involvement

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The Youth Advisory Council was created in response to requirements set forth by a Kellogg Foundation challenge. For every two dollars raised locally and placed in general and field of interest funds of the local community foundation, the Kellogg Foundation pledged one dollar, up to one million dollars, to build a youth fund. As part of that challenge, the Mackinac Island Community Foundation formed a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to address youth problems.

The council is composed of young people and an adult mentor.  The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation is set up to teach the community's youth about the importance of philanthropy.  MICF makes grants for YAC members to attend training meetings and conferences throughout the state.   YAC members bring their knowledge back to the Island and help its residents through grants from the YAC fund.

Under the direction of Karen Allen, advisor, the Mackinac Island Youth Advisory Council conducts such activities as an Island cleanup day, YAC camp, and a recognition program for individuals and businesses who "make a difference" on Mackinac Island.
 
How Else Has MICF Helped Young People?

Through Scholarship:

In 2002, four Mackinac Island graduates were awarded the Margaret W. and Wesley H. Maurer Scholarship.  The scholarship awardees were Elizabeth Bush, Pollyanna Smith, Lindsay Allen and Erica Jones.

The year 2002 marked the first award of the Mark Gallagher Scholarship Fund.  The fund, created in 2001, is in memory of the young Island resident Mark Gallagher, who wished to serve Mackinac Island as a police officer.  The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a career in law enforcement and service to the Mackinac Island community. The first-ever scholarship was awarded to Mark's cousin, Justin Gallagher.  Mark and Justin wished to be police partners on Mackinac Island.  Justin attends Western Michigan University, where he studies criminal justice and sociology.

Through Grant-making:

In 2001-2002, nearly $5,000 in grants have been distributed from the Youth Fund. 

 A grant of $750 to the City of Mackinac Recreation Department created a youth ski club on the Island.  The club enabled youth on the Island to participate in downhill skiing at Nub’s Nob.

Mackinac Island Public School received a grant of $750.00 to send fourth through seventh graders to Camp Daggett.   Students attending the camp learned about the environment, survival skills, and orienteering.  Students had the opportunity to participate in cooperative challenge games that engaged students in problem solving and active listening.

Another grant to the Public School helped fund a trip for Island sixth graders to learn about Michigan history and culture.  The group visited the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and the Detroit Zoo.  The trip allowed students direct contact with buildings and exhibits displaying their Michigan heritage.

Mackinac Island Recreational Development was awarded a grant to build a youth skate park in the existing Turtle Park on the Island.  Students designed the park, which contains rails, ramps, and half pipes on which to skate board, stunt bike, and roller blade.

The Mackinac Horsemen’s Association received a grant of $400 to provide riding scholarships and merit awards for young horseback riders.  Students complete eight weeks of lessons before taking oral and riding exams.