The City of Kelowna says up to $1,000 is available to support youth aged 13-19 years old with a neighbourhood enhancement idea.
The city says young people can gain valuable leadership experience while doing something meaningful for the community. The deadline to apply for a Youth Development and Engagement grant is end of day Sunday, Nov. 26.
A trail clean-up at UBCO, garden box installations at a local retirement home and an Evening of the Arts event are just a few ways Kelowna youth have already come together to enhance their neighbourhoods with support from the City of Kelowna’s Youth Development and Engagement Grant.
Earlier this year, students from Rutland Senior Secondary’s Rotaract Club got involved in their neighbourhood by installing raised garden boxes at Fernbrae Manor. Students held an unveiling ceremony of the garden and used the time to plant flowers and herbs with the seniors.
“The amount of participation we had from the seniors was really awesome,” said Keneisha Charles, a Rutland Senior Secondary student. “Being able to be right with them, holding their hand and planting with them was something really special for all of us – this is a partnership we know is going to last.”
The Youth Development and Engagement Grant is funded through the City’s Strong Neighbourhoods program. The program provides financial support, mentorship and guidance for youth to develop and implement projects that contribute to their neighbourhood’s vitality.
In 2014, the City of Kelowna launched Strong Neighbourhoods. The program recognizes the vital contributions that strong neighbourhoods provides in residents’ daily lives, including their positive impacts on well-being, economic development, and on residents’ sense of attachment to our city.
To learn more about the Strong Neighbourhoods program and apply for a Youth Development and Engagement Grant, visit kelowna.ca/neighbourhoods.
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