January 25, 2011

Download Step Up Service Learning Grant Program Application

The Tulare County Youth Commission is accepting applications for the 2011 Step Up Service Learning Grant Program. The grant program provides $25,000 in grants for public or private high schools in Tulare County.

The Step Up Service Learning Grant Program funds small-scale, youth-directed projects that focus on reducing adolescent violent crime, aggression, delinquency and/or substance abuse. All proposals must include service learning projects. Only public and private high schools are eligible to apply.

"The service learning grants are great opportunities for high schools and students in our County," said Mike Ennis, Chairman of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. “The Step Up Service Learning program provides youth with an opportunity to learn responsibility, work ethic and job skills while improving our community.”

The service learning grant program allocates $25,000 for grants to Tulare County high schools. There is one grant of $5,000 available in each Supervisorial district.

Projects funded in 2010 included mentorship programs, upgrades to a senior center, a tutoring program and school readiness sessions for incoming freshmen. During the grant cycle, student participants enjoyed a day of team building at the Mc Dermont Field House in the city of Lindsay.

The deadline to submit an application for a grant is 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. The Tulare County Youth Commission will review the submitted grant applications and recommend to the Board of Supervisors which organizations should receive funding. The Youth Commission will vote on the funding recommendations on April 11, 2011. The final grant awards will be made on April 26, 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 Jacob Jimenez at (559) 624-8074 or jojimene@tularecounty.ca.gov.