September 8, 2011 - The State Farm Youth Advisory Board announced that Lowell Area Schools will receive a $54,215 service-learning grant for the Pink Arrow Pride Project.
Lowell Area Schools is one of 64 community organizations to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant across the United States and Canada.
“Lowell Area Schools’ Pink Arrow Pride is a service-learning project between students and their community on cancer awareness and prevention. It provides support for the local Gilda’s Club and Lowell Wellness Organization to assist families affected by cancer in the community” said Ella Kate Wagner, Great Lakes Zone YAB board member.
“We are thrilled to have received this generous grant from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board for the service-learning component of the Pink Arrow Pride Project. This charitable contribution from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board provides the necessary resources for Pink Arrow Pride to educate the minds and hearts of students, teaching valuable lessons of teamwork, civic-mindedness, personal growth, the meaning of community and social development. It is community businesses such as State Farm that strengthen a public school district and ultimately enhance the lives of students.The Lowell Area Schools and Pink Arrow Pride is deeply grateful to be awarded this significant grant,” said Greg Pratt, Superintendent of Lowell Area Schools.
“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 Deb Wilks, Lowell State Farm Agent. “The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm’s commitment to education, our community and our youth.”
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has granted over $19.8 million in grant money since its inception in 2006, empowering youth to implement service-learning in 340 communities.
Additionally, applications are available for interested youth aged 17-20 to become a Youth Advisory Board member. More information can be found at www.statefarmyab.com.
Angie Rinock, State Farm Public Affairs, (269) 384-8561.
Valerie Behm, Lowell Area Schools, (616) 987-2501.
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a diverse group of 30 youth, ages 17-20, who were chosen through a competitive process to lead and oversee this $5 million/year signature service-learning initiative. The Youth Board identified the issues, issued competitive grants and will now provide technical assistance, communication and oversight to site grantees.
