Youth Advantage has been helping connect Stillwater-area students in need with extracurricular activities since 2010. “Our mission is to assist children from families in who live or go to school in District 834 to access arts, athletics and educational enrichment extracurricular activities to help them find and pursue their passions in life,” says Suzanne Block, founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization.
The program serves students who qualify for free or reduced-fee lunch by providing them opportunities to participate in enrichment programs, something that can contribute greatly to developing into well-rounded adults. Youth Advantage also serves as a resource to help families navigate extracurricular activity options for their children.
In addition to scholarships, Youth Advantage provides musical instruments and athletic equipment to students. In 2014, 616 scholarships were provided, along with about 50 musical instruments (and registration fees) and more than 300 pieces of athletic equipment. The organization is supported by the United Way, local foundations, in-kind donations such as musical instruments, and financial contributions.
For more information about Youth Advantage, visit the website here.
