Environmental Responsibility Also Focus of $319,802 in Grants Determined by Unique Youth-Driven Initiative
Jacksonville, FL August 30, 2011 –The State Farm Youth Advisory Board will be distributing a total of $319,802 to five Florida organizations to fund their service-learning initiatives - including two groups that focus on disaster preparedness: BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) - Pensacola, Fla.,$47,940, and Volunteer Services of Manatee County, Inc - Bradenton, Fla., $72,800.
These two organizations will collaborate with students in their areas as part of service-learning programs. Service-learning is a teaching strategy that provides a connection between what is taught in the classroom to application in the real world through research, identification of solutions, and service.
In addition to real world/academic projects on disaster planning and preparation, three organizations will receive State Farm Youth Advisory Board grants to foster environmental responsibility: DuMond Conservancy for Primates and Tropical Forests Inc - Miami, Fla., $39,239; Manatee Technical Institute, School District of Manatee County - Bradenton, Fla., $90,000; Riverview High School - Sarasota, Fla., $69,823.
“State Farm supports service-learning because it combines service to the community with classroom curriculum in a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility,” said State Farm Senior Vice President Jim Thompson. “The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm’s commitment to education, our community and our youth.”
“These programs are true service-learning projects as they have the youth voice, learning and reflection components, while reaching out into their respective communities.” said YAB board member Augustus Bennett.
Sixty-three community organizations across the United States and Canada were selected to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant this year. The areas of grant focus are: Access to higher education, driver safety, environmental responsibility, financial literacy, and disaster preparedness.
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has granted over $19.8 million in grant money, nationally, since its inception in 2006, empowering youth to implement service-learning in 340 communities.
Joy Atkins, Public Affairs Specialist, (904) 443-4796
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