Glencoe Leadership Students Support Local Nonprofits through Schnitzer Cares Program

Students from the Student Government Class at Glencoe High School donated a total of $16,188 to local nonprofits through the Schnitzer Cares program this year! The student participants focused their grantmaking efforts on nonprofits that provide services to address hunger and abuse among those who are houseless in the Portland Metro Area. Three nonprofits were selected to receive the funds, including Clackamas Service Center ($5,000), HomePlate Youth Services ($5,000), and Project Homeless Connect Washington County ($6,188).

Schnitzer Cares, a youth philanthropy initiative of The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, strives to create a rising generation of people who are community-minded, who believe they can affect change, and who can work with others to do it. In this year-long, student-directed program, Schnitzer Cares groups act as "mini-foundations" and students begin the year by selecting a community issue or service area they feel passionately about. Groups are guaranteed $7,500 from The CARE Foundation for their grantmaking and can double those funds by raising an additional $750, which CARE matches 10:1, up to a maximum gift of $15,000. Students spend the rest of the school year completing the grantmaking process - evaluating grant proposals, meeting with representatives from organizations that have applied for funding, and deciding which to fund. 

Mia, a Glencoe High School senior who has participated in the program throughout her entire high school career, shared the following words about her experience, "My favorite part of the Schnitzer Cares process is the opportunity to interview each nonprofit we are considering. Within those interviews, you are able to hear amazing stories of recovery, progress, and more from those who are fighting for the community each day. Schnitzer Cares has opened my eyes to the hard work being done behind the scenes to support our region."

Century High School and Hillsboro High School also participate in the Schnitzer Cares program. Scroll down to see more photos...