The Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program is a collaboration between The George Foundation and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce that has significantly impacted Fort Bend County for the past 25 years. In a four-month immersive experience, 150 high school students contribute over 3,500 service hours annually to local nonprofits. YIP aims to cultivate a generation of leaders who understand the importance of ethics, mental agility, innovation, empathy, and collaboration.
YIP students engage with various Fort Bend nonprofits, organizing activities such as food distributions, event hosting, entertainment for individuals with special needs, and programs at community gardens, parks, and museums. The program goes beyond traditional volunteering by emphasizing personal growth and skills development in communication, leadership, and project management.
The Rosenberg-Railroad Museum, a yearly partner, highlights the positive impact of YIP students, emphasizing their role in making the community a joyful place. Rainey Webster, the Executive Director of the Museum, commends the students for helping nonprofits fulfill their missions and predicts that they will become the strong leaders of tomorrow.
Through the YIP journey, participants become part of a diverse network, learning from each other’s experiences and building lifelong friendships. At the end of each academic year, students are invited to apply for a YIP scholarship funded by The George Foundation and community partners to assist YIP students in pursuing their goals.
For those interested in joining the YIP program as a high school participant, nonprofit partner, or scholarship donor, additional information is available in this website’s dedicated Nonprofit and Student sections. You can also check out our 2023 Youth In Philanthropy video to see YIP students doing what they do best – becoming changemakers for their neighbors in Fort Bend County.
