Hope Grants support youth-led service learning in Galt

by Patricia St. James
Galt Area Youth Coalition

The Galt Area Youth Coalition works with our youth to promote our Hope Grant program. This youth-led mini-grant program provides an opportunity for youth to evaluate our community and select the issues they wish to address. The Hope Grant is available to any youth or group of youth in the greater Galt area for student-led service learning projects. The grants are reviewed and approved by their peers. This year Galt youth approved four grants. Each is unique and reflects the concerns of the various groups that submitted the grant requests.

Ability Awareness: This grant developed out of the desire to offer something positive for students with special needs. It became evident the need was to build tolerance through awareness, thus Ability Awareness was offered for all students at McCaffrey Middle School. The Youth LEAD group developed six stations where students could experience some form of challenge. Stations included a table where students put on glasses smeared with Vaseline and were asked to complete a word search. One station required the students to put thick socks on their hands and then put on and button a shirt. Another station had the students place a smooth pebble in one shoe, tie one leg with a stick so they could not bend at the knee, and use a walker to maneuver around an area. The debrief at the end of the experience drove home the power of tolerance.

Cleats for Soccer: A Galt High School student saw the need for youth to have something to do after school. He knew many young people who enjoy soccer but did not have the money for cleats. Josh Ochoa wrote a compelling grant request to buy soccer shoes, and the youth grant readers deemed it a worthy endeavor.

Relay for Life: The Youth LEAD group at New Hope School wanted to participate in the Relay for Life at Galt High School. The students were aware that one of their beloved teachers had been struggling with cancer for more than two years. They were very motivated to promote healthy nutrition and lifestyle. Their logo of a shark taking a bite out of cancer was the anchor of their booth, which took first place for booth design. Participants of the Relay for Life munched on healthy snacks while the youth educated them on 10 beneficial foods for cancer prevention. They were impressed with the students’ knowledge and enthusiasm for life choices that lead to well-being.

Environmental Improvement: The Arcohe Youth LEAD group was interested in planting indigenous plants at McFarland Ranch, but the area was not ready in time. Instead, they were offered several alternatives. They chose to clear two areas next to the visitor’s information center at the Cosumnes River Preserve, which benefits the preserve and its many visitors.

The Galt Area Youth Coalition is a REACH Community Action coalition.