Youth Programming at The Fund

New! Vote16 PA

Pennsylvania high school students will collaborate with organizations and elected officials in advocating for a law that would grant 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in school board elections.
 
Participants will take the lead in researching the issue, developing promotional materials, and drafting legislation, all with guidance and support.
 
Vote16PA runs year-round, with applications open NOW until June 15th. Applications are open to 9th-12th grade students attending high school in Chester County with lived female experience (cis girls, trans girls, nonbinary, and genderfluid students welcome!). Students meeting these qualifications are invited to apply through the link below.
 
Vote16PA meetings occur once a month and are virtual. At each meeting, participants will discuss progress towards the goal of passing legislation to enact voting rights for 16- and 17- year olds in school board elections, including next steps. Participants will learn about the legislative process, civic engagement, and network with peers, policy makers, and experts in the field! In between meetings participants are expected to do the “behind the scenes work” of passing legislation including research, setting up meetings (with support as needed), networking with other civic engagement organizations, and helping with communications including social media. You do NOT need to have prior advocacy experience – this program is designed to support you regardless of your level of experience. This program is youth led with the support of The Fund’s Director of Advocacy and Policy, Blake Emmanuel. For questions, please contact her at bemmanuel@thefundcc.org.
 
Applications due June 15th.
To apply, Click HERE.
For questions, please contact Blake Emmanuel at bemmanuel@thefundcc.org.

ATTENTION:

The Fund for Women and Girls is currently re-envisioning our other youth programs.

If you’d like to receive updates when new opportunities become available, sign up HERE.

GAB (Girls+ Advisory Board)

A nationally recognized grantmaking program, the Girls+ Advisory Board (GAB) provides local high school students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade with an opportunity to learn firsthand about the deep and varied needs in their communities and equip themselves with the skills needed to address them.

Over the past 20 years, GAB has awarded over $320,000 to agencies that target the needs of women and girls through innovative services to tackle issues like poverty, violence, homelessness, mental illness, teen pregnancy and substance abuse. As a member of GAB, you will:

  • Learn about philanthropy and giving back to your community
  • Make new friends from different schools and communities in Chester County
  • Discuss pressing social issues with your peers
  • Meet non-profits doing “boots-on-the-ground” work for women and girls
  • Collaborate with peers to fund up to $20,000 to local organizations through strategic grantmaking
  • Participate in community service activities
  • Get to know influential women in your community

Learn more about our 2025 GAB Grantee Partners.

CivicG+

CivicG+ is a civic engagement program that provides local high school girls and gender expansive students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade with an opportunity to learn firsthand about civics, government, advocacy, policy and leadership. As a member of CivicG+, you will:

  • Work with peers to develop and lead advocacy campaigns
  • Make new friends from different schools and communities in Chester County
  • Meet local and state elected officials
  • Get to know influential women in your community
  • Participate in service projects 
Formerly GirlGov Chester County, CivicG+ is The Fund’s youth advocacy program. Teaching advocacy and empowering youth to facilitate change in Chester County and beyond, the CivicG+ program will encourage, educate, and support participants in creating and achieving goals related to advocacy for issues that affect women and girls.  

Both youth programs are free for participants, and accepted students may participate in these programs for a total of two years. 

Are you an alumnus of GAB or CivicG+ (GirlGov Chester County)?

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@thefundalumni

Join our Alumni Network

Let us know you want to be involved!

Fill out our Alumni Survey

Tell us how your GAB or CivicG+ experience impacted you!