Students Advocate for Non-Profits through Youth Philanthropy Initiative

Integrating service-learning and the history curriculum, Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is a capstone experience for Grade 9 students. Students select and research a nonprofit dedicated to improving a social issue in NYC. Each team researches their chosen nonprofit’s mission, history, programs and impact. They learn how to interpret publicly available information, such as IRS 990s and annual reports, and to conduct site visits, as well as staff and client interviews. Students gain an understanding of the role the philanthropic sector plays in addressing social needs in NYC.

For the 12th year, in April, Grade 9 finalist teams advocated for their chosen nonprofits to a panel of judges, classmates and friends in the Meetinghouse. Eight teams vied for grants for their respective nonprofits. The team advocating for Girls Write Now was awarded the $5,000 YPI grant. Bronx Defenders and Benefits Data Trust were awarded secondary grants of $1,000 each from the School’s Administration and the Parents Association. Panelist, trustee and parent, Sabrina Philson P’23, commented, “The day was a remarkable showcase of the students’ work and talent!”