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Youth Board

Empowering SLO County high school students to become leaders and advocates for positive change in their community 

Overview

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board empowers youth to become leaders and advocates. Established in 2008, the Youth Board is a community of local youth inspired and empowered to make meaningful contributions, grow as leaders, and create positive change for themselves and those around them. Meet the Youth Board Members

Program Highlights

Youth Leadership Development

Offers high school students from San Luis Obispo County the chance to serve in a Board of Directors-style setting, fostering skills in decision-making, teamwork, and leadership.

Grant Allocation and Community Impact

Youth Board members engage in real-world philanthropy by raising funds and awarding grants to youth-led programs that address community needs, encouraging direct and impactful change.

Skills Building and Networking

Members gain experience in fundraising, marketing, and campaigning while connecting with local community leaders, fostering professional relationships, and learning from guest speakers on various community issues.

Community Service and Engagement

Through monthly meetings and events, Youth Board members organize and participate in community service activities, fostering civic responsibility and creating a bridge between youth and adult community leaders.

Inclusive and Youth-Led Governance

Operating under the guidance of United Way, the board is primarily youth-led, allowing students to take ownership of the board’s direction, fundraising events, and communications with the community.

Youth Board Grants

Part of being a Youth Board member is to engage in real-world philanthropy by raising funds and awarding grants to programs that address community needs, encouraging direct and impactful change.

Congrats to our 2024 Youth Board Grant recipients:

  • Restorative Partners ($1,500)
  • San Luis Obispo Museum of Art ($1,500)

Grant Timeline

  • March 3, 2024 – Grant application deadline
  • April 1, 2024 – Project funding approved
  • September 30, 2024 – Projects completed and all funds spent
  • November 30, 2024 – Final report and presentation to Youth Board

Past Recipients

2023

  • Restorative Partners
  • Cal Poly Learn By Doing Lab
  • Boys and Girls Clubs Mid-Central Coast

2022

  • Restorative Partners
  • SLO Museum of Art
  • Project Surf Camp

2021

  • Along Comes Hope
  • RISE San Luis Obispo County
  • Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation
  • RaiseUp SLO

Youth Board Members

Trish Avery-Caldwell

Lana Goodman

Youth Board President

Alexander Durrant

Vice President

Chloe Elliot

Secretary

Pablo Landeros

Treasurer

Ethan Johnson

Director-at-Large

Madeline Bessems

Member

Melia Cadena

Gianna Dosa

Member
Evan Ellman

Evan Ellman

Member

Kassandra Gee

Member

Ethan Hibble

Member

Maeven Jackson

Member

Liliana Van Kleeck

Member

Mason Lebed

Member

Jaydin Molinar

Member

Bill Nguyen

Member

Reagan Smith

Member

Amelia Wood

Member