Commitment to Isabella County youth
In May 2023, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) conducted its Youth Needs Assessment to understand better the challenges facing eighth and tenth graders in Isabella County. Implemented every three years, administered online, and featuring 15 multiple-choice and short-answer questions, this most recent survey reached 565 students from Beal City Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools, Sacred Heart Academy, and Shepherd Public Schools.
The findings revealed the top five issues impacting youth:
1. School Stress/Pressure
2. Mental Health
3. Self-esteem and Respect for Self and Others
4. Cliques/Peer Pressure
5. Bullying (including personal threats, gossiping, and cyberbullying)
Additionally, students identified the following program areas as priorities for funding:
1. Physical Health
2. Career Development and Opportunities (such as interview skills and resume building)
3. Transportation Services
4. Counseling Services
5. Academic-Based Opportunities
YAC students presented these valuable insights to local schools and the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Directors. Their goal through this survey was to use the results to launch and support programs that address the issues youth have highlighted as most pressing. As a result, in 2024, the YAC fully funded several initiatives that aligned with the survey priorities such as Community Mental Health for Central Michigan’s request for Isabella County Suicide Prevention Programming, Mid-Michigan Industries’ request for Connections Autism Services, Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan’s request for Creating Confident Character program, and Clothing INC’s request for Clothing for Kids (Wear Adult Size Clothing) initiative.
The survey ensures that the YAC funding decisions reflect the real needs of the students in Isabella County rather than relying on needs assumptions during grant cycles. YAC Secretary, Marilyn Powell says, “YAC engaging with youth is an important part of our work and the survey is a real way we get to listen to everyone’s ideas about how YAC can support our community’s students.” This commitment to listening and making decisions based on student feedback is a vital step toward building a supportive community – one where every young person can grow and thrive.