Perry County Power of Youth

The Perry County Power of Youth is a program co-sponsored by the Perry County Community Foundation and United Way of Perry County in partnership with Purdue Extension - Perry County.  The Perry County Power of Youth program will promote philanthropy among today's young people to prepare them to support their communities of tomorrow by giving their time, talent and treasure.  The Perry County Power of Youth Council consists of Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors from all three area high schools and provides them a chance to work together to improve their community. Applications are accepted each spring. 

The program's leadership will consist of adults from the Community Foundation, Purdue Extension, youth serving agencies, the community, and Alumni from the Power of Youth Council who will plan education sessions for the monthly meetings.  These sessions will focus on Volunteerism, Leadership Development, Marketing, and Fundraising and will culminate in a Grantmaking activity to fund a local project.  The Perry County Community Foundation has established a nonpermanent fund to support the immediate grantmaking ability of the Youth Council and an endowed fund as a permanent resource to support the program.  

Engaging youth in philanthropy prepares young people to be active, lifelong community citizens. It is beneficial for both the youth and the community. Youth who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in destructive behaviors and youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote and be philanthropic. Communities benefit because teenagers volunteer 1.3 billion hours annually which means teenage service is worth $34.3 billion to the US economy each year. 

If you would like more information about this program or how you can help the youth of our community, call us at 812-547-3176.  You may also send a tax deductible donation to Perry County Power of Youth, PO Box 13, Tell City, IN 47586.