For 12 seasons Shark Tank has given budding entrepreneurs the chance to take their businesses to the next level. Now the Four County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is putting a twist on the ABC reality television show to help student groups in the eight school districts in the Foundation’s service area make their dreams a reality.
YAC is (currently) taking applications for its “Grant Tank” competition through October 1.
Student groups, with an adult leader, will be able to compete for grants of up to $3000 to tackle a problem in their school districts or community. School Districts eligible to participate in the competition include Almont, Armada, Capac, Dryden, Imlay City, Oxford, Richmond, and Romeo.
YAC currently has 17 members representing each of the eight school districts. The group is actively pursuing new junior high and high school members. YAC meets at 6:00 pm the third Sunday of each month at the Four Count Community Foundation office, 231 E St. Clair Street, Almont. YAC’s next meeting is September 19.
Along with getting youth excited about philanthropy, Four County Community Foundation Executive Director, Kathy Dickens said the competition will provide a wide array of educational opportunities including problem-solving, writing, presentation, math, and research.
The competition is open to student groups from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Student groups will have to identify a problem or need in their school district, propose a solution, and present a budget of up to $3000 to find a solution. In addition to filling out a one-page grant application, student groups will have to produce a 1-2 minute video pitch detailing their proposal.
Projects most likely to receive YAC funding will encourage youths to get involved in improving themselves, their school, and their community. Grants will be awarded quarterly in October, January, April, and July. Applications and more information for the Grant Tank program can be found on the GRANTS page.
Complete Round 1 applications and videos need to be sent to Dickens at kdickens@4ccf.org by October 1. To learn more, call Dickens at 810-798-0909 or email kdickens@4ccf.org