Sixteen high school seniors in Allen County are taking part in a new philanthropy-focused initiative organized by the United Way of Greater Lima and Junior Achievement. The collaboration, called Student United Way, spans four sessions this school year, according to WLIO.
During the sessions, partner agencies such as Soldiers of Honor are expected to explain their community work. A $5,000 pool will be theirs to distribute at the end, with the teens choosing which programs to fund. United Way said it wants participants to recognize that community donations underpin its ability to assist partner agencies.
Beca Sheidler, the United Way of Greater Lima's chief operating officer, described the goal as introducing students to philanthropy and area resources, and helping them see how to support such efforts once they have income to donate.
Junior Achievement's role includes instruction in personal finance, covering checking and savings accounts and money management as students near graduation. Grace Shirk, district manager for West Central Ohio at Junior Achievement, said financial skills affect stress and confidence as students enter the workforce.
The schedule calls for one additional session this fall and two in spring. United Way of Greater Lima said it hopes to offer the program again.