Meet Mariella, a senior at West Aurora High School. This is her third year in YEP and she serves as Co-chair of Marketing/Communications Committee. “I wanted to be a part of YEP to give back to my community. Growing up in Aurora, I became familiar with some of the needs that occur in our community. Now, I am able to help others and impact the community as I had always hoped to while growing up. Helping to address these needs by ensuring they are met is beyond fulfilling. It is important to me to make a difference because, without strong advocates, communities can collapse. My community has provided many opportunities for me, and I want to be able to help other youths have the same opportunities and even more. I feel that helping other youth will lead to more inspired and active young citizens in the community. Being able to be a part of inspiring my generation feels empowering and makes me hopeful for the future.”
We moved! Our Aurora office is now located at 1971 West Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506.
A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.
Sharon Stredde
President Emeritus
Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.
Julia H.
[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School
We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.
Dick Schindel
Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds
…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.
Cris Anderson
Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund
There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.
Marianne Renner
Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach
As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!
Moises J.
Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient
