“Community 101 is my favorite philanthropic effort. The students learn so much so fast on so many levels.” Patsy Smullen, Community 101 sponsor, Medford
In partnership with the PGE Foundation, Community 101 is OCF’s youth philanthropy initiative. A classroom-based curriculum, C101 students operate a mini-foundation: identifying and researching community needs, volunteering, reviewing grant applications and awarding grants. Each C101 class has $5,000 to distribute to nonprofits in their community.
For students, C101 aligns with graduation requirements and provides leadership opportunities. As one student said, “Giving your time, money and help to those who are less fortunate brings a joy that you can’t obtain doing anything for yourself.”
Teachers find C101 an easy-to-use service learning program that aligns with ODE’s new essential skills graduation requirements and provides professional development units.
Businesses and community members across the state are supporting C101 at their high schools. A $5,000 donation sponsors a classroom, with 100 percent of the gift returned to the community through grantmaking.
For the 2009-2010 school year, 68 schools across the state are participating in the program, distributing $340,000 to nonprofits in their communities.
To find out how you can become involved, contact Jennesa Datema, Community 101 Coordinator.