State Farm® Youth Advisory Board Grants $84,975 To Support Youth Environmental Efforts
What |
Youth Allies Leadership Camp Service Project and Check Presentation |
When |
Sunday, October 14 - Service Project 2:30 pm – Presentation 3:30 pm |
Where |
Earth Care Community Garden |
Who |
Earth Care's AmeriCorps and Youth Allies Members, Earth Care Executive Director BJ Davis, and State Farm Agency Field Executive James Medina. |
Santa Fe, NM. Oct. 14, 2012 – Earth Care will receive an $84,975 service-learning grant from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board to support the environmental efforts of local youth. The grant funding will support Earth Care youth efforts in ten Santa Fe K-12 schools as they design and lead service-learning projects and campaigns to reduce the environmental impact of their schools. Earth Care is one of 68 community organizations to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant across the United States and Canada.
"We believe in the vision and efforts of our youth to drive change in our community," said Earth Care Executive Director, BJ Davis. "These service learning projects will impact not just our schools, but will bring attention to these important issues for all of the residents in our community." Students will conduct environmental audits, identify unmet needs and opportunities to improve their school's environmental footprint, and develop and lead service-learning projects that conserve resources, improve energy efficiency, and reduce waste.
"State Farm supports service-learning because it integrates service to the community into classroom curriculum using a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility," said State Farm Agency Field Executive, James Medina. "The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm's commitment to education, our community and our youth. I could not be happier to see this local youth effort recognized and supported."
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has granted over $24 million in grant money since its inception in 2006, empowering youth to implement service-learning in 397 communities. Additionally, applications are available for interested youth aged 17-20 to become Youth Advisory Board members. More information can be found at www.statefarmyab.com.
Robert Villegas, State Farm Media Specialist: (480)-293-6018 / Cell: (310) 294-0216
BJ Davis, Executive Director - Earth Care: (505) 983-6896
Our mission is to educate and empower young people to create healthy, just and sustainable communities. Earth Care is a leader in advocating for young people's voices and contributions in decision-making about our community's future. With young people, we are ensuring that communities develop in harmony with the natural world and local cultures. Earth Care's framework and set of programs are based on a decade of work with young people, schools, and communities in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico. While the principles of our work are universal, we are informed and formed by the unique assets and challenges of this diverse southwest high desert community. Earth Care was cofounded in 2001 by Taylor and Christina Selby, young social entrepreneurs themselves at the time. It is located on the southwest side of Santa Fe. For additional information please visit www.earthcarenm.org.
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. More information can be found at
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