Each grantee partnership brings together non-profits, youth-led or youth-driven organizations, and may also include governmental agencies, businesses, out-of-school-time organizations, or higher learning institutions focused on a work in a single locality. These partnerships are essential for the education and development of the young people working alongside them.
The partners below share about their excitement for the work that will happen in their community with the Civic Spring Project.
Elizabeth
“As the only hospital serving a large urban area, we participate in emergency planning that looks at both today’s and tomorrow’s dangers. Involving our local youth in planning for tomorrow is especially meaningful because this is the world they will inherit. We look forward to
participating in the Civic Spring initiative, as it will do nothing less than help involve and prepare our young people for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President & Chief Executive Officer, Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Houston
“The Institute of Engagement is a leader in youth-led civic engagement in Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Office of Education is proud and excited to partner with IE to educate and empower communities to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the City of Houston, especially in our most vulnerable and at-risk communities. We look forward to working collaboratively with youth to find transformative and innovative solutions.”
Juliet Stipeche, Mayor’s Office of Education
Newark
“Thank you to the Woodrow Wilson Foundation for seeing the importance of investing in youth leadership as we face an unprecedented time in our history. We are excited to partner with the City of Newark and GEM Project to offer a meaningful summer experience to our city’s youth that will allow them to grow as community leaders, story tellers and college/career bound youth. The Civic Spring Projects will undoubtedly add youth voice at a time when it is needed most.”
Kaleena Berryman, Director, Abbott Leadership Institute
Newark
“On behalf of everyone at The Gem Project, we are truly honored to be a part of this project to further the positive development of our youth in Newark, New Jersey and beyond. This grant will allow us the opportunity to invest in the futures of our young people, including their friends and families as they become more civically engaged and socially conscious with what is happening in not just their communities, but the world.”
Amanda Ebokosia, CEO, Founder, The Gem Project, Inc.
Kinston
“NC FIELD is excited to partner with Kinston Teens to strengthen the organizing skills and capacity of young people in Lenoir County,” said Yesenia Cuello, Executive Director of NC FIELD. “Our organizations work with some of our community’s most vulnerable populations, and it’s critical that we empower them with the tools, skills and resources to be leaders and changemakers.”
Minneapolis
“With their campaign for equitable benefits during the pandemic, Minnesota youth have powerfully engaged the attention of top state leaders. With Civic Spring, young voices and leadership will make Minnesota a model for equitable youth civic participation and leadership.”
Jon Bacal, Youth Leadership Coach for Bridgemaker