Agency Details:

Youth Enrichment Scholarship/Mentoring (YES) Program

To diminish the experiential gaps that exist for children within the inner city by providing enrichment scholarships and a mentor for children in grades 4 and 5. Volunteer mentors with reliable transportation are needed to provide support and occasionally transport students to their camp or summer classes.

Description:
The Youth Enrichment Scholarship Fund was established at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation in 1992 to provide summer enrichment experiences for children within the Grand Rapids Public Schools. A mentor is matched with each student and provides assistance in selection of and transportation to appropriate summer enrichment activities. The program is always in need of mentors to work with children in grades 4 and 5. The time commitment includes occasional group meetings and optional contacts with students as agreed upon by the mentor and student. The main responsibility of the mentor volunteers is to assist students in choosing appropriate summer camps and enrichment classes and to provided transportation as needed.

History:
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation was established in 1922 and was the State's first community foundation. The Richard Gillett family established the Youth Enrichment Scholarship (YES!) fund at the Foundation in 1992 in memory of their son, brother, and grandson, Daniel. Each year the endowed fund provides the opportunity for 60 students to receive $400 for summer enrichment activities.

Contact person: Ruth Bishop, YES! Program Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (616) 454-6455

Address:

185 Oakes SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.grfoundation.org

Directions:

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation is located on the corner of Grandville Ave and Oakes Street. Main entrance on Oakes Street.   Nearest Bus Stop: 1 block, 3 minutes minute walk

Last updated on April 14, 2009