Projects benefit youth in the Basin

by Keith Powell — January 23, 2014

(Columbia Basin)—Fifteen projects that benefit Basin youth were recently approved to receive funding through Columbia Basin Trust’s Youth Grants Program. The projects will receive a total of $107,400.

“Applicants submitted a diverse range of project ideas to the program,” said Sabrina Curtis, Director, Sector Initiatives for the Trust. “We are excited that all of the funded projects will strongly support meaningful engagement of Basin youth.”

Wishbone Theatre Productions will use the funding to help Valemount youth create a musical play that explores their visions of community.

“By researching the past and examining the present, youth actors will create a play with music that reflects their visions of an ideal society,” said Sharon Stearns, Artistic Producer, Wishbone Theatre Productions. “Youth in Valemount will be able to develop their creative performance skills and connect these skills to a meaningful project that strengthens their participation in local culture.”

The 266 Kimberley Air Cadets Squadron Sponsoring Committee will use the funds to encourage youth to develop interest in aviation.

"I was able to learn a lot about rocketry through air-cadet-sponsored summer camps and want to share that knowledge,” said Sgt. Coren Green, 266 RCACS Kimberley. “With the help of the grant, I will be able to host a rocket program that will teach youth within my squadron and community how to build and launch rockets—that will have us shooting for the stars!”

Projects that directly benefit Basin youth aged 12 to 29 can receive up to $15,000 per project through the Youth Grants Program. A range of organizations can apply including school districts, First Nations and local governments, plus youth aged 15 to 29 with a sponsoring organization. The Trust’s Youth Advisory Committee, made up of youth aged 15 to 29, adjudicate the applications.

The next Youth Grants Program deadline is March 10, 2014, at 2 p.m. PT. For more information, visit their website.

The Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. Click to learn more about Trust programs and initiatives, or call 1.800.505.8998.