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NEMYF was established in August 2001 to offer 11th and 12th graders in Northeast Mississippi the opportunity to serve on a youth-directed foundation that offers leadership opportunities and the chance to learn about philanthropy and community involvement. Currently just completing its fourth year, the board consists of 49 students from 16 counties and 22 high schools. NEMYF has an endowment fund -- money totally raised by the students -- that currently stands at over $31,000!
During the fall semester, students focus some of their energy on fundraising to build the endowment. Then in the spring the fun begins! The students submit grant ideas from their home counties, vote on which grants to fund, organize a press conference and announce how they spent the earnings from their endowment. In 2003, board members awarded their first grants, totalling almost $1,100. In 2006, NEMYF increased their endowment to more than $50,000, making its 2007 grant allocation more than $2,500.
Other activities include:
- Kicking off the year in August with a retreat at Crow's Neck
- Organizing a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need in their home county
- Organizing a Christmas donation of toys and gifts to a local charity that serves children
- Participating in festivals to build awareness of NEMYF
- Speaking to high school classes to recruit new members
- Creating their own logos, tshirts, and brochures
- Learning about giving back, helping others, and making a difference
- Meeting new friends from throughout the region
- Having a lot of fun!
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