“The best part of the Youth Community Development Team is the collaboration amongst us students.  Even though we all come from three different schools, we all share the same passion for a specific goal.  Because of YCDT, I have been able to impact and support my community in ways that many teens OR ADULTS could say they have!”

Chyheim Jackson-Burgess, Senior, Sci Tech High, ’12

Youth Community Development Team, or YCDT, is a collaborative effort between Leadership Harrisburg Area and the Rotary Club of Harrisburg.  YCDT was launched in 2004 for high school juniors and seniors attending Harrisburg High, Bishop McDevitt, and Sci Tech High schoosl.  Students are recommended by their schools and selected through a competitive application process.  The program runs monthly from September through May.  In addition to eliminating stereotypes, team building, increasing confidence and improving communication among the participants, the program helps students identify community needs and supports their efforts to collectively make an impact.  Since the program’s inception, over 200 students have participated and have awarded over $40,000 in grant funding to local non profit organizations.

Dear Friends,

Students in the Youth Community Development Team Class of 2013 will make a grant award to one non profit organization in Harrisburg for programs and services that address BASIC NEEDS for families.  Please share the Request for Proposal with local groups that may qualify for this one time grant award of $5,000.   The deadline to apply is March 1, 2013.  Questions may be addressed to Una Martone at umartone@leadershipharrisburg.org

The Youth Community Development Team, YCDT, is an on-going, collaborative project between the Rotary Club of Harrisburg and Leadership Harrisburg Area by which 40 high school students from Bishop McDevitt, John Harris High, and Sci Tech High are coached in community development and leadership each year.  YCDT was launched in 2004 and has served nearly 300 high school juniors and seniors since then. 

Students are responsible for fundraising to make the $5,000 grant award; are responsible for reviewing all applications; interviewing organizations, and making the final grant award decision.  Past award recipients have included Channels Food Rescue, Christian Recovery Aftercare Ministries, Drug Free PA, The Joshua Group and more. 

Thank you for helping the YCDT Class of 2013 change lives through their grant making efforts!

Click here for the 2013 YCDT Request for Proposal Packet