Through YAC, Bay City teen has learned practical skills and discovered a passion for philanthropy

This article is part of an ongoing #InspiringGenerosity series highlighting people, agencies, and programs the Bay Area Community Foundation supports.

Not every high school student can look around and point out specific ways he or she has impacted the community.

But Ian Anderson, a veteran of the Bay Area Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), can do just that.

Ian joined YAC the summer before eighth grade. Today, he's getting ready for his senior year at Bay City Central High School and to serve as the YAC Chairman.

Photo courtesy of Ian AndersonIan Anderson is the incoming Chairman of the Bay Area Community Foundation's Youth Advisory CommitteeHis time with YAC has been rewarding.

"I just like to give back to the community and actually have a say in where the funds are going in our community," Ian says.

One event he enjoys every year is a back-to-school partnership between YAC, the Bay Area Community Foundation, and the United Way of Bay County. Read more about the Barbara and Gary Bosco Back 2 School Program in this June 19 Route Bay City article. 

Ian is proud of distributing more than 1,000 backpacks each year filled with school supplies as part of the program.

"It definitely affects the youth," Ian says.

The back-to-school drive provides kids with new clothes, a haircut, and school supplies so they start the academic year with confidence.

A student himself, Ian understands the importance of having the right supplies from the very beginning of the school year.

"It gets them through ... so they don't have to struggle with trying to keep up with the schoolwork," he says.

Recently, the kids involved in YAC were instrumental in the Foundation's annual Give Local Bay. During the 24-hour fundraising event held in May, YAC played a role in raising money and running the event.

Graphic courtesy of the Bay Area Community FoundationThe Foundation hoped including YAC would help the kids understand the importance of giving back to their communities.

“That’s another way to get youth familiar with philanthropy and get them exposed to some of the nonprofits in the area,” says Nicole Horn, Donor Relations and Communications Officer for the Bay Area Community Foundation.

While Ian understands the importance of philanthropy, he also is learning practical skills through YAC. 

"It will definitely help me in the real world," says Ian, who hopes to attend Michigan State University and study kinesiology. 

As Chairman of the group, he hopes to gain new skills.

"Hopefully that can help me later in life with delegating and decision making," he says. 

Ian encourages others to consider joining YAC.

"We definitely would like more participants," he says. "We would like to get word out and have more applicants and more members."

Aaron Faist, who oversees YAC for the Foundation, says students who live in Bay County and are between 12 and 18 years old are eligible for the program. Applications are accepted any time, but are encouraged in the fall so students can take part all year in activities.

To apply, contact Faist, Program Officer at the Community Foundation, at (989) 893-4438 or aaronf@bayfoundation.org