Foundation invites students to apply for Youth Leadership Programs

The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) is inviting local high school students to apply for two student leadership opportunities designed to help young people develop leadership skills while making a meaningful impact in their community. Applications are now open for both the Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) and the Sheridan County Youth Action Council (YAC), with a deadline of April 1, 2026.

These programs provide Sheridan County students with unique opportunities to learn about leadership, philanthropy, and community development while contributing their perspectives to local initiatives.

The Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) offers high school students the opportunity to serve as full voting members of the SCCF Board of Directors. Students selected for these positions attend monthly board meetings, help guide foundation programming, review and make grantmaking decisions, assist with events and activities, and provide valuable insight from the youth perspective.

Selected students will begin their one-year term in June and serve through May of the following year. Youth Ambassadors may reapply annually to continue serving through their graduating year.

The Sheridan County Youth Action Council (YAC) provides another opportunity for students to become actively involved in strengthening their community through service and project-based leadership. Established during the 2025–2026 academic year with eight founding members (Kendall Baalman, Sarah Dardis, Max Foote, Ian Giancola, Avery Mauck, Noah Nickelson, Nick Robben, and Hailey Vaughn), the Youth Action Council focuses on empowering students to identify community needs and develop projects that make a difference.

Through YAC, students will participate in monthly meetings, attend two leadership retreats during the year, and work together to design and implement community service and improvement projects. Members will also assist with Foundation programs and represent the voice of local youth in community discussions.

Students involved in YAC will gain valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, civic engagement, and problem solving while contributing to projects that benefit schools, organizations, and communities throughout Sheridan County.

Students interested in applying for either program should demonstrate a strong interest in community service, leadership, and teamwork. Applicants must be Sheridan County high school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year for the 2026–27 school year and be in good academic standing.

Applications for both programs must be submitted online by April 1, 2026, by visiting the respective webpages:

YAP - www.growsheridancounty.org/yap

and

YAC - www.growsheridancounty.org/yac.

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.