July 2026 CEO Blog

July ’26 CEO Blog

As August nears, many of us might naturally turn our attention to a new school year. But at the Community Foundation of Lorain County, this season is about much more than heading back to the classroom.

This season is also about investing in the next generation of leaders, volunteers, philanthropists, and community advocates who will shape the future of Lorain County.

One of the greatest privileges of our work is watching young people discover that they already have the ability to make a difference.

That is exactly what the Youth Fund has been doing for years. More than a leadership program, the Youth Fund gives high school students the opportunity to learn about philanthropy, engage with local nonprofits, make grantmaking decisions, and gain firsthand experience in community leadership by asking them what they want to do and be today. And the lessons extend far beyond the meetings themselves.

This August, we’re excited to welcome a new class of Youth Fund members. Whether you know a student looking to grow as a leader, make new connections, or give back to their community through service hours, we invite you to join us for our Youth Fund Orientation on Sunday, August 23. The orientation is open to all interested students, and we encourage families to learn more about how this unique experience can help shape the leaders of tomorrow.

One of those young leaders is Grace Broome, who first became involved with the Community Foundation as a member of the Youth Fund and today serves on our staff team. Their journey reflects the lasting impact of the program and the way it helps students develop skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to their community. Here’s what Grace has to say about their involvement in the Youth Fund.

“My participation in the Youth Fund provided a unique opportunity to engage with the Lorain County community through philanthropy and grantmaking while opening the door to future academic and professional opportunities. As a Youth Fund member and president my junior and senior years, I developed transferable skills in professional communication, leadership, and collaboration. I gained these skills by planning an annual countywide youth summit focused on mental health, participating in volunteer service, making grant recommendations, and serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.”

“I credit my experience with the Youth Fund for helping me secure an internship with an Austrian non-profit while studying abroad and for preparing me to take my next step of pursuing a master’s degree. I recommend joining the Youth Fund to any student who wants to learn more about the resources available in Lorain County, give back to the community, and gain valuable leadership experience.”

So, as Grace’s story suggest, supporting students also means preparing them for the opportunities ahead.

On Wednesday, August 12 from 1 to 5 PM, we’re proud to host our annual college application, scholarship, and essay workshop for high school seniors. Applying for scholarships and college can feel overwhelming, but students don’t have to navigate the process alone. Whether they’re looking for guidance on crafting a compelling essay, strengthening their applications, or learning more about scholarship opportunities, our team is excited to help students take the next step toward achieving their goals. The workshop will be hosted by Will Torres – a Lorain County native who specializes in college access, admissions advising, and essay development for first-generation and low-income students – at the Urban League in Lorain, and we hope to see our youth there.

As another school year begins, I encourage parents, grandparents, educators, and community members to share these opportunities with the young people in their lives. You never know which experience might spark a passion for leadership, philanthropy, or service that lasts a lifetime. There is immense power in asking our youth what they want to do now and we are eager to welcome our new and returning students.

With gratitude,

Cindy Andrews

With gratitude,

Cindy