Download Step Up Junior High Service Learning Grant Application

The Tulare County Youth Commission is accepting applications for the Step Up Junior High Service Learning Grant Program. The junior high service learning grant program allocates $20,000 for grants to Tulare County’s junior high schools. There is one $4,000 grant available in each Supervisorial district.

The Step Up Junior High Service Learning Grant Program provides funding for the selected schools to create student led projects that address gang involvement, crime and delinquency. Youth participants will create a project that positively affects their school and surrounding community. It is hoped that through the service learning program, junior high students will gain an appreciation for their school and nearby community and teach valuable lessons about commitment, determination and work ethic.

"We are very excited to offer this program for junior high schools in Tulare County," said District Three Supervisor Phil Cox. “The service learning program has been very effective with high schools, and the younger students should thrive in performing their community service projects.”

The Youth Commission has successfully administered the service learning program for the past three years. The Board of Supervisors wants to bring the services to younger students in an effort to stop gang involvement at a younger age. On October 12, 2010, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to allocate $20,000 to expand the service learning program to the junior high level.

The Tulare County Youth Commission will review the submitted grant applications and recommend to the Board of Supervisors which schools should receive funding. The Tulare County Board of Supervisors will make the final funding decision.

The deadline for Junior High Schools to submit their grant application is 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2011. Late applications will not be considered for funding. The Youth Commission will vote on the funding recommendations on Monday, Feb. 7, 2011. The final grant awards will be made on March 1, 2011 by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

Applications can be obtained by visiting www.stepuptc.com or by phoning (559) 624-8074. For more information, please contact Youth Commission staff Jeff Forbes at (559) 624-8074 or jojimene@tularecounty.ca.gov.