I think one of the most important things we can do for our youth is to educate and engage them in something beyond their own world. Volunteering, doing community service or just joining in and participating in a club or organization will give them a better view of themselves and where they fit in the world. Today’s funding opportunity is a unique grant to help replicate youth engagement experiences and promote participation in Global Youth Service Day (April 25-27, 2008).

This week’s pick: The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in cooperation with Youth Service America is offering grants of $2,000 to applicants at “local, state, or national organizations that are part of a national network, organization, or broader coalition of organizations and want to replicate their successful youth engagement experience (for youth ages 5-25) throughout that network.”

Those interested in applying should be able to answer questions such as: why it has been beneficial to include youth in their organization’s work; how you will build on the success of your program; and how your work will be sustained or gain momentum throughout the year.

Applicants must be located in the United States and should plan to use Global Youth Service Day as a primary vehicle to engage youth in the issue they are addressing through their initiative. Submissions for this grant need to be sent in by November 30, 2007. Application information can be accessed here.