The State Farm Youth Advisory Board awards 30 students between the ages of 17 and 21 $5 million in grants each year to revitalize neighborhoods in need as well as combat issues such as education, hunger and diversity.
This year, two Memphians, University of Memphis student Lucy Dang and Bowdoin College of Maine student Justin Pearson, will represent the Southeastern Region of the United States for the Board.
“I feel like in Memphis we have so much potential to be able to do things and make positive changes in the community, especially with ones that need it the most desperately,” Dang, a sophomore non-profit development and administration major, said. “If any time is the perfect time, the time is now.”
Started in 2006, The State Farm Youth Advisory Board helps students implement and manage their philanthropy of choice. Within the past nine years, the Board has funded $32.4 million youth led service learning projects.
Students from various regions of the United States are chosen through a selective process. They have meetings, and commit to 15 hours per month to board activities.
The program aims to reach out through U.S. communities with the helping hands of college students. Amelia Folkes, a representative of State Farm Youth Advisory Board, said the program is needed in cities all around the country, and students — the youth — can make a lasting difference in their town.
“We want students to use their voice,” Folkes said. “We want students to create an opportunity to learn, and have them make an impact. They are deciding things and getting together as a board and figuring out why an organization would be in need of a grant. This helps to be a part of the conversation in your community.”
With two of the 30 Board Members being from the Mid-South, Dang said Memphis is on the grid and has the potential to be affected by their position in the program.
“Memphis has so much potential for change,” Dang said. “To be able to have an opportunity like this come to the city of Memphis, I feel like it is the perfect place to retain talent and retain young adults who are ready to have their voices heard.”
Memphis needs this type of program in order to see a positive change, according to Dang. Her specific project is titled “Neighborhood Assist Grants,” and she is asking young adults not currently working in non-profits to contribute ideas to better their local community.
“Once our finalists have been chosen, we will then post them on Facebook, which will get the community involved,” Dang said. “When posted on Facebook, people who support that specific project can vote for it. It makes a city better and strengthens relationships between the people.”
Although Pearson is currently much further away from his hometown than Dang, he echoed her sentiments and said he believes positive change can grow from the project.
“Being a board member for State Farm really allows us to create change in a different way,” Pearson said. With this chance we hope to make as many things possible.”
Applications will be released in August to become a member of the Advisory Board, and selected Board members will be announced in November 2015. The Board encourages young people to apply for service learning grants that are available right now and due May 1. University of Memphis students that are interested can contact Lucy Dang at ndang@memphis.edu.
