The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board has awarded three $1,000 grants to local youth projects and programs.

The grants were awarded to:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County, for improvement of their school based program. Elementary aged “Littles” from Nipomo Elementary School are matched with mentors of high school or college age, called “Bigs”. The grant will be used to increase participation and purchase equipment for the program.
• The 8th grade AVID class from Flamson Middle School AVID class received a grant for the “No Place For Hate” week. This event promotes tolerance, peace and acceptance through a variety of school-wide activities and an awareness campaign. The grant will be used to purchase materials for a mural in Victory Alley, host a Mix It Up dance with music from varying cultures and games promoting tolerance, and to provide students with rubber bracelets that say “FMS - No Place For Hate” as a daily reminder for students to get along.
• Two 6th grade students from the SLO County YMCA Healthy Kids Club who created a Traveling Library for after school programs. The grant funds will be used to purchase 100 books for the library. Older participants of the program will be encouraged to mentor younger students to improve reading skill and increase the enjoyment of books.

Groups created projects that have a positive impact on youth (up to age 19), and incorporated the 40 Developmental Assets and other youth development principles.

Applications were peer reviewed by members of the 2009-2010 Youth Board. This group of high school students seeks to increase philanthropy and leadership in San Luis Obispo County youth, and improve programs to better serve our community.

For more information about United Way of SLO County, the Youth Board program, or the Youth Grant program, visit www.unitedwayslo.org or call (805) 541-1234.