Gilroy Foundation Youth Board

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

Gilroy Foundation’s Youth Board ignites the passion of local middle and high school students, fostering teamwork, collaboration, and a deep sense of community as they work alongside Gilroy Foundation to address pressing needs in our area. Established in 2008, this dynamic platform cultivates the next generation of change-makers and philanthropists.

Community Engagement

Our Youth Board engages in meaningful community service and outreach activities that benefit the community and provide our members with invaluable leadership and teamwork experience. These activities help foster a strong sense of community and responsibility among our members.

Empowerment

Our Youth Board members gain and valuable experience and feel empowered. The Youth Board allows them to learn about the process behind grant-making, as well as the grant recipient selection process. This hands-on involvement helps them develop crucial skills in leadership, decision-making, and community engagement.

Mentorship

Our Youth Board offers our members the chance to engage with inspirational and educational speakers who share valuable insights and mentorship. These guest speakers provide leadership experience and skills, empowering our members to make a difference in the community.

Join Gilroy Foundation Youth Board to unlock your potential! Gain valuable leadership experience, develop new skills, and make a real impact in your community. Work alongside peers, participate in exciting events, and learn from inspiring mentors. Don’t miss this opportunity—applications close September 1st! Once you’ve filled out your application, send it to youthboard@gilroyfoundation.org

Apply Now

Mission Statement

The Youth Board is a passionate group of local students dedicated to making a positive impact in the Gilroy community. Our mission is to foster a spirit of volunteerism and community engagement among our peers, encouraging active participation in meaningful initiatives. We collaborate closely with local nonprofits to identify and address pressing community needs, ensuring our efforts are impactful and relevant.

Throughout the year, we organize and participate in various events, fundraisers, and service projects aimed at improving the quality of life in Gilroy. These activities not only benefit the community but also provide us with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain firsthand experience in philanthropy, and understand the intricacies of the grant-making process.

By advocating for youth voices and ideas within the Gilroy Foundation, we ensure that the perspectives and contributions of young people are recognized and valued. Through our dedication and actions, we aspire to make Gilroy a better place to live and inspire our peers to join us in creating lasting positive change.

Annual Fundraiser

Some of awesome Youth Board members lending a hand at our Gilroy Foundation Annual Fundraiser! They had a blast, learned a ton, and made a big impact on the community.

Senior Sweetie Pie Social

Sophia and Paige sharing their amazing vocals during karaoke to the delighted senior citizens at Wheeler Manor at the Youth Board’s Senior Sweetie Pie Social. Organizing and planning this event helped them develop leadership skills and create unforgettable memories with the community.

Treats for Troops

Our Youth Board members busily making candy packages for our “Treats for Troops” mission! This heartwarming activity helped them learn the value of service and teamwork while bringing a touch of home to those serving our country.

One Giving Tree & Wreaths Across America

Our Youth Board members making wreaths for One Giving Tree during the holidays. Collaborating with Wreaths Across America our Youth Board joined tens of thousands across the nation in placing wreaths on the markers of our fallen heroes.This festive activity not only spread holiday cheer but also fostered creativity and teamwork among the group.

Senior Spring Fling

Our Youth Board leading the “YMCA” for the senior citizens at Wheeler Manor at one of their several senior social dances! Their enthusiasm and leadership brought joy to everyone involved, while they gained valuable experience in community engagement and event coordination.

Bright Ranch Orientation

Our Youth Board members enjoying their orientation at Bright Ranch, where they even got to ride ponies! This unique experience helped them bond as a new team and develop leadership skills in a fun, engaging environment.

Where is Our Youth Board Now?

Our Youth Board is full of incredibly passionate and gifted individuals who have gone far with the leadership and experience they gained from the program. Here are some of the many amazing universities our Youth Board members have attended:

Northwestern University
Yale University
Harvard Law School
University of Southern California
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Davis
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Clara University
Chapman University
San Diego State University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
California State University, Monterey Bay
San Jose State University

Being a part of Gilroy Foundation’s Youth Board has played a big role in honing my teamwork and leadership skills. I was also fortunate to gain a new mentor in our youth board leader Sierra, who provided me invaluable support during my college and scholarship application process.

— Lavender, UCLA Student Previous Youth Board Member

Being part of this group allowed me to meet amazing new people and create unforgettable memories, all while gaining hands-on leadership experience and helping to uplift the community. Youth Board has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it has strengthened my connection with Gilroy.

— Maya King, UC Berkeley Student Previous Youth Board Member

My favorite memories on the Youth Board have always been the activities where we are outside and interacting (with the community). I learned how to become a stronger leader and apply myself to my community.

— Kennedy Agnitsch, Santa Clara University Student Previous Youth Board Member

I learned more about Gilroy, how to better my public speaking, and about Robert’s Rules of Order. I have met so many amazing people.

— Trevor Davis, USC Student Previous Youth Board Member

I have been on Gilroy Foundation Youth Board since 6th grade and I have learned the importance of being an active member of the community. Being a leader, listener, and collaborator are all skills that I have developed.

— Sophia Filice, UC Santa Barbara Student Youth Board Member