Ocala, FL (April 24, 2020) — Two awards of $500 each were gifted virtually to United Way of Marion County and the American Cancer Society during Thursday’s concluding celebration of Youth Philanthropy in Action (YPIA) at Osceola Middle School via Zoom. Seventh grade students in Mrs. Lori Pfriender’s Language Arts classes received five weeks of instruction about philanthropy, the community, and how to put their efforts into action. Members of the NonProfit Business Council (NPBC) taught the classes and were scheduled to distribute the checks on March 26, the week after spring break, but the coronavirus closed school buildings.
One-day-per-week for five weeks, NPBC members taught about the history of philanthropy and the differences in the sectors of society (nonprofit, for profit, government) while encouraging students to learn about their passions and the community. Classmates were grouped based on common interests and created “case for support” presentations to support local charities with an imaginary $500. However, through generous donations from Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County donors, the students learned Thursday that the winning presentations received real money to donate! The students presented checks during 3rd period to United Way and 5th period to the American Cancer Society via Zoom.
Since 2012, more than 850 students have received the YPIA curriculum in public and private middle schools throughout Marion County with $21,000 in grants given to 29 nonprofits. Collectively in student surveys, 72 percent say they have learned more about their community through YPIA; 66 percent learned what they care about, and 65 percent plan to volunteer because of YPIA.
For more information about YPIA, contact the Community Foundation at (352) 622-5020.
The Community Foundation for Ocala Marion County is Building a Stronger Community…One Passion at a Time. Programs include the NonProfit Business Council, the Estate Planning Council, and the new Nonprofit Resource Center in partnership with Marion County, the City of Ocala, the Marion County Hospital District and Advent Health.
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*Higher resolution images of the call available upon request.
