Springfield, MA (1/14/2025) – The United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) is proud to announce the launch of its Youth Leadership in Action Program, a transformative 10-week initiative designed for students aged 14-16. Beginning on January 21, 2025, this program offers a unique opportunity for young people to gain valuable community service hours while exploring careers in the nonprofit sector and engaging in meaningful discussions about community needs.
Through a partnership with Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) and their YouthWorks program, the Youth Pathway Program will welcome a cohort of 5-10 students. The program will take place at UWPV’s Springfield Food Pantry, where participants will engage in both direct service activities and educational sessions.
Program Highlights:
- Hands-On Volunteerism: Each week, students will dedicate 1.5 hours to volunteering at the Springfield Food Pantry, helping address food insecurity in the community.
- Career Exploration: Following their volunteer work, students will spend 30 minutes in a classroom-style learning environment, where nonprofit professionals will introduce various aspects of nonprofit work, from program management to fundraising and advocacy.
- Community Service Hours: By the end of the program, participants will have earned 20 hours of community service, fulfilling a significant requirement for many schools and extracurricular programs.
- Family Engagement: The program concludes with a special Family Night, where students’ families will be invited to volunteer at the pantry, fostering a shared commitment to community service.
“The Youth Leadership in Action Program is about more than volunteering,” said Alli Maggio, Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement. “It’s about giving young people the tools and inspiration to make a difference in their communities, while also showing them the leadership opportunities available in the nonprofit sector. We hope this experience broadens their understanding of human services and ignites a lifelong passion for giving back.”
The program’s schedule is designed to be both impactful and accommodating. Sessions run weekly from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, with a break in February to align with public school winter vacations. A dedicated UWPV staff member will be on-site throughout the program, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
The Youth Leadership in Action Program is part of UWPV’s broader mission to strengthen communities and inspire volunteerism among all age groups. By combining direct service, career exploration, and community engagement, this program aims to shape the next generation of compassionate leaders. For more information about the Youth Leadership in Action Program or to learn how to support this initiative, please visit www.uwpv.org or contact UWPV directly.