Students at four schools received grant money for community projects associated with the annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit.
The second annual Youth Summit was held March 20 in the county courthouse. The event was spearheaded by county Commissioner Gary J. Hess, Schuylkill County's VISION and other community organizations, legislative offices and business associations to give students a forum to discuss how they can make the county a better place to live, work and raise families.
Each school at the summit designed a project addressing a specific need in their communities. The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation donated money to the Youth Summit to be used as grants for the projects. The Schuylkill Senior Corps. of Retired Executives evaluated the proposals and made recommendations for funding.
"A number of these projects have been embraced by their communities," Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County's VISION, said Friday. "Those who have worked with the youth have been very impressed with their ideas, energy and focus on community issues. The Youth Summit encourages these collaborations."
All four schools that pursued funding this year were awarded grants. Other projects have received funding though community organizations.
A total of $1,650 was awarded and divided between Williams Valley, Schuylkill Haven, Mahanoy Area and Minersville Area high schools.
Students at Williams Valley developed a partnership last year with the Williamstown Development Organization and cleaned up around the community playground and other areas, Jones said. This year, students will be working with the Porter-Tower Recreational Committee to paint murals at the community pool.
Schuylkill Haven students are starting an educational program with elementary students at the school. The topic will be about safety and will include games and guest speakers.
Minersville students will also be working with elementary children at the school. Their goal is to give the children an opportunity to interact with the high school students in various activities scheduled at least once a month.
Mahanoy Area students have partnered with the borough to bring back the fireworks display at the football field July 5. Students will also be cleaning up the area before the display and coordinate various fundraisers.