by Maddie Huls
What began as an idea in 2024 has evolved into a valuable and creative learning experience for students at Aurora High School. This program gives students the opportunity to benefit the community.
Lori Thiele created the Youth Engaged Philanthropy (YEP) Program after recognizing the need for a youth-driven organization that gives Aurora students a voice when addressing local issues. The 2025-2026 school year started with strong participation and success.
”The year is going great! The seniors are doing a lot of important fundraising for the juniors to give out grants,” junior Chloe Fawver said.
In December, the community of Aurora brought unwrapped gifts to the students. The community paid the students to wrap their gifts. The fundraising committee brought this idea to the program.
Senior students involved in YEP are responsible for raising funds. They go door-to-door and speak with the Aurora community to request donations, helping build both their communication skills and community connections. Their first fundraiser was placing plastic flamingos in residents' yards, with additional events planned, such as a “Couch Gala” scheduled for Valentine's Day weekend.
The junior class participants take on the responsibility of deciding where the money goes. After reviewing needs, they determine which local businesses and organizations will receive grant support.
The YEP program focuses on issues that directly impact the community, specifically those affecting youth. Students learn how to recognize community needs and address them through collaborative funding. YEP emphasizes the importance of student leadership, allowing students to organize, plan, and implement solutions while also using their creativity and resourcefulness.
“This year, our goal is to raise around $25,000, and we are on track to reach that. The senior cohort has spent hours on fundraising from the planning stages to carrying it out. It's been really eye-opening to see how much Hamilton County is willing to give. Our next fundraiser is the Couch Gala, which requires a lot of time to make graphics and to get the community aware, but I am really excited to see the outcome and how the community responds to a new kind of fundraiser," senior Paityn Wyatt said.
By engaging students in real-world philanthropy, YEP strives to encourage students to become informed decision-makers white making a meaningful difference and impact on the community.