Teens interested in starting a student group dedicated to improving their community can apply to the Do Something organization for funding, resources and materials to pursue volunteer group projects. To qualify, group leaders must recruit five additional group members and commit to two volunteer projects per year. Do Something does not require adult supervisors, but it does provide a sample letter for students to give to school administration, if students are seeking a faculty mentor for their project or want their school to support their efforts.
Do Something, Inc.
24-32 Union Square East
4th Floor
New York, NY 10003
212-254-2390
dosomething.org
School music programs that need a financial boost can apply to the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation for funding a student group focused on music education. Grants range from $1,000 to $12,000. Priority for the Music Matter Grants is given to groups that partner with parent-teacher associations and other community groups that serve economically disadvantaged children.
Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation
3318 Lakemont Blvd.
Fort Mill, SC 29708
heart.muzak
High school student groups dedicated to science and invention can apply for a $10,000 grant from the Lemelson-MIT InvenTean program. The student group must have between five and 15 members, which includes a teacher or mentor. Funding is used to solve a real-world problem through a technological invention. To qualify, student input must be included in the group's application.
The Lemelson-MIT Program
Attn: Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams
77 Massachusetts Ave.
Building E60-215
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
617-452-2147
web.mit.edu
High school and middle school student journalism groups can apply for a grant from the Newspaper Association of America Foundation to start a student newspaper or breathe new life into an existing newspaper. Grant winners receive up to $5,000 the first year and $2,500 the second year. Funding must be used for start up and technology projects. To qualify, applications must demonstrate need, as well as service to a rural, minority or urban school community.
NAA Foundation
4401 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203
571- 366-1010
naafoundation.org