Our Story
WHY WE WERE FOUNDED
THE BACKSTORY
Extracurricular
Involvement
High schools across the United States provide students with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Schools may offer team and individual sports (football, basketball, soccer), performing arts (marching bands, choirs, musicals), and academic clubs (robotics, forensics, student government). Each activity providing students with an opportunity to learn valuable life lessons, make friends, and have fun!
When Eric began high school, he decided to participate in Model United United Nations — an academic, extracurricular activity where students simulate the United Nations by representing member states and solving global issues. Throughout his four years of participating, Eric learned and practiced valuable skills like public speaking, leadership, and networking among others. However, participating came with a cost, a financial barrier.
THE Challenge
Barriers
To Participate
During Eric’s senior year of high school, his Model United Nations club faced a looming financial challenge. With declining student participation and rising costs, attending his club’s final conference would be too expensive. With limited assistance from his school, Eric turned to his community for help.
With financial support from a local business, Eric was able to raise enough money to reduce the cost of participating in their final conference. Eric knew his situation was not unique, and many students across the state were unable to participate in hands-on, academic activities like Model United Nations.
No student should sit on the sidelines and miss out on formative learning activities due to cost.
Eric Siegrist, Founder & Executive Director
THE FOUNDATION
Building
Our Mission
To ensure no student would miss out on formative learning experiences, Eric founded the Michigan Youth Education Fund. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric brought together students from Grand Valley State University to build an organization focused on a mission of empowering students and reducing barriers. The Michigan Youth Education Fund was founded in April 2020.
The Michigan Youth Education Fund was founded by students, for students and is operated entirely by volunteers.
Present Day
Realizing
Our Impact
Since its founding in April 2020, The Michigan Youth Education Fund is proud to have distributed more than $8,000 to support 357 Michigan students participating in academic, extracurricular activities through our G.O.A.L. program. Including a total impact of 1,000+ students and educators combined between our Activity Directory, Success Center, and free resources.
DONATE TODAY
Help Support Students
We rely on donors like you to support our mission, programs, and advocacy. Every dollar donated directly supports Michigan students in your community. Thank you!