The Keweenaw Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council recently awarded grants to several local agencies with funds from the Kellog Youth Endowment Fund. The grants, totaling $12,401.48 will support projects benefitting students in grades 6 through 12 in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.

The Omega House received funding to assist children and teens who have been affected by grief and loss, while Houghton Middle School also received an award to fund the Environments and Sustainability Science Project.

The Calumet Theatre’s All School Musical 2017 received funding, as did SEEDS, Youth Conservation Corps, to help certify young workers supporting “green collar” jobs in Keweenaw County. The Copper Country Intermediate School District, Technology and Outdoor Learning Initiative, and the Student Leadership Committee’s Reach for the SKY talent show received financial awards, as well, as did the Houghton High School’s Gremlins Spirit Squad.

The projects chosen each addressed areas of need highlighted by the Youth Needs Survey, the YAC’s website states.  Conducted in theFall of 2014, the survey collected responses from students in grades 7-12 at local area schools. It found that depression, drug abuse, and harassment represented the greatest challenges to local youth.

The survey also asked teens which youth programs would be beneficial to youth in the community. The majority of teens were interested in after-school activities, skill building classes, career development, leadership building, and health programs.

The projects awarded funding will occur between December 2016 and 2017.