PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Parents and educators agree that today’s children will become tomorrow’s leaders only if they have access to the skills, experiences, behaviors and relationships that help them develop into healthy and successful adults.
To support that goal, the Duke Energy Foundation has given a grant of approximately $7,000 to the Monroe County Youth Council to implement the “Page by Page” program for local elementary students.
The program curriculum, which is grounded in the research-based 40 Developmental Assets framework, will be delivered by approximately 30 trained high school students from the Monroe County Youth Council over the course of the project.
Some of the developmental assets being promoted include effective communication, service to others, constructive use of time, positive values and social competencies.
“We are grateful to Duke Energy for their support of Monroe County teens and youth to build relationships, boost developmental assets, and learn from one another in supportive and nurturing community spaces,” said Allison Zimpfer-Hoerr, community education and training coordinator with the Youth Services Bureau of Monroe County.
Kyle McGraw, a youth council member involved with the program, said, "I remember back when I was in school, having older students read to me was a great learning experience and it provided role models for me. With Page by Page, I am hoping to improve upon the experience I had and influence a greater number of youth."
“Community vitality depends on building a pipeline of qualified leaders, and that leadership training has to begin at an early age,” said Bruce Calloway, Duke Energy government and community relations manager for Monroe County. “We are honored to help support this character-building program.”
The Page by Page program will kick off on Global Youth Service Day, April 15, 2016, during a teen-led, countywide service project at Fairview Elementary School in Bloomington.
Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation powers vibrant communities by funding programs that support our four investment priorities: education, economic and workforce development, environment and community impact. In Indiana, the Foundation distributes grants of nearly $2 million each year to support these four priorities.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy Indiana’s operations provide about 7,500 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 810,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it the state’s largest electric supplier.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
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About Monroe County Youth Council
The Monroe County Youth Council (MCYC) exists to create and administer youth-led projects and programs that are by youth and for youth, to discuss and deliberate public policy issues affecting youth, and to serve as an advisory board to local organizations, institutions, businesses, government, and the community.
MCYC is a sub-committee of the Asset Building Coalition and hosted by the Youth Services Bureau of Monroe County, city of Bloomington through the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, and the Monroe County Public Library. MCYC members (youth) and the MCYC Advisory Team (adults) collaborate on MCYC goals and objectives; MCYC members inform the direction and activities of MCYC while being supported by these involved adults. More information about MCYC is available at www.monroecountyyouthcouncil.org.