Applications Now Open for the Luzerne Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) 2025-2026

Are you a high school student entering 10th or 11th grade this fall? Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? The Luzerne Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 session of its Youth Advisory Committee.

The Youth Advisory Committee, or YAC, is a program designed to offer high school students an opportunity to make a difference in their communities while learning the principles of philanthropy, nonprofit work, and community engagement. YAC offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, grantmaking, and volunteering, all while supporting local nonprofit organizations.

This past year began with an exciting partnership with King’s College! In addition to serving as YAC’s 2024-2025 Program Sponsor, students who complete the YAC program are guaranteed acceptance to King’s College. Eric Grego, director of undergraduate recruitment, met with students throughout the year to discuss what makes our area great and the opportunities available on the King’s College campus.

Throughout the year, students are actively involved in every step of the grantmaking process. In the fall, they invite local nonprofits to apply for funding, with the first 20 applicants given the chance to present a three-minute pitch at the annual YAC Nonprofit Forum in December. After careful review, site visits, and discussion, members narrow the field and ultimately select 4 organizations to receive funding.

Thanks to their dedication and hard work, the 2025-2026 YAC awarded a total of $20,000 to the following nonprofits:

• A Moment of Magic: Moments of Magic for Hospitalized Children
• Catholic Social Services: St. Joseph’s Food Pantry
• The JumpStart Cart: Program Expansion/Training
• Helping Hands Society: Academic Helper Program

Now Accepting Applications:

With 6 spots available for the upcoming year, YAC is seeking motivated, community-minded students ready to learn, lead, and serve. If that sounds like you, apply online at www.luzfdn.org or speak to your high school guidance counselor. The application deadline is July 11, 2025.

Should you wish to support The Luzerne Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, please feel free to donate by visiting www.luzfdn.org. If you are passionate about a cause near to your heart and want to make a difference here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, please call us at the Luzerne Foundation.

Do you want to make our community better? So do we. Let’s do it together.

Because of you and for you, we are … Here for good.