Diverse range of projects to benefit basin youth

One of 16 projects receiving support from CBT’s Youth Grants Program, the Creston Teen Coffeehouse project will provide a space for teens to showcase their creativity while they learn valuable skills through assisting in the operations of the coffeehouse.

A range of projects including those that support youth engagement, leadership, employment and entrepreneurship were recently approved to receive funding through the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Youth Grants Program (YGP). Sixteen projects in total will receive over $92,000 to benefit youth around the Basin.

“Our Youth Grants Program has supported a variety of youth projects throughout the Basin region over the last eight years,” said Sabrina Curtis, CBT director, Sector Initiatives. “A number of exciting projects will help build youth leadership while increasing youth engagement and opportunities in Basin communities.”

The Kaslo and District Public Library Association is one of the groups receiving funds through YGP for their Youth Programs at the Library project. With the funds the library will coordinate six programs selected by youth which aim to engage and support youth in using the library.

“We’re really excited about offering diverse youth programming at the library,” said Annie Reynolds, library services co-ordinator. “The project will engage Kaslo area youth with meaningful and interesting programming and workshops including crafting, computer programming, and film making and animation as well as a youth book club. The funds will also assist the library in offering a supportive environment to youth.”

The Creston Teen Coffeehouse project will also provide a space for teens to showcase their creativity while they learn valuable skills through assisting in the operations of the coffeehouse — skills that will be transferable to the workplace. Teens will be responsible to develop the coffee house business plan, organize entertainment and work a rotating schedule with anyone wishing to learn barista, server, sound equipment technical skills, entrepreneurship, promotion and business management.

“We have talked about music jams, craft sales, art displays and we are confident the teens will find many more exciting subjects to consider,” said Lendina Bambrick, executive director of Kootenai Community Centre.

St. Mary’s Indian Band will use YGP funds to host a Youth Campout to engage youth in Ktunaxa knowledge and traditions while experiencing positive and healthy recreational activities.

“The three-day Ka Knithwitik Youth Campout will combine fun with learning,” said Johanne Allard, St. Mary’s Indian Band social development worker. “During the campout, youth will create relationships and the opportunity for support while gaining a greater understanding of traditional Ktunaxa knowledge.”

YGP funds up to $15,000 per project that directly benefit Basin youth aged 12 to 29. A range of organizations, school districts, First Nations organizations and local governments — plus youth aged 15 to 29 with a sponsoring organization — can apply.

CBT’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), made up of 12 youth aged 15 to 29, adjudicate the YGP applications.

The next intake will take place in fall 2013. For more information, visit cbt.org/ygp.

CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.