On April 13th, Angelia Perry, GYAC’s Executive Director and Jay Lundy, GYAC’s Director – Youth Employability Program, attended Indian River Impact 100’s annual meeting to represent GYAC as a finalist for one of four $100,000 transformational grants. The result – GYAC will be awarded $100,000 over the next two years
The comprehensive and competitive grant process, which began in 2021, concluded after each finalist gave a 5-minute pitch to Indian River Impact 100’s nearly 500 members. Finalists included:
- Ballet Vero Beach
- Gifford Youth Achievement Center
- Treasure Coast Community Health
- United Against Poverty
- Youth Sailing Foundation
Angelia Perry pitched GYAC’s Youth Employability Program (YEP), which is gearing up to provide youth in grades 6 – 12 with job training skills, career insight, and hands-on experience in various industries based on their interests. Jay Lundy, YEP’s Director brings over 30 years of workforce development experience to his role at GYAC. The partnerships Jay is developing with local businesses will offer students exposure to real- life work environments, relationships and experiences. Ultimately, the goal is to equip YEP students with a solid understanding of the workforce so that they enter the field of their choice with a cutting edge and the ability to earn higher wages.
After the presentations, Impact 100 members cast votes for their top four (4) selections. The voting process was led by Leslie Swan, IRC Supervisor of Elections. Once voting concluded, Indian River Impact 100 revealed the winners:
- Gifford Youth Achievement Center
- Treasure Coast Community Health
- United Against Poverty
- Youth Sailing Foundation
We’re elated to be named as one of the winners! Indian River Impact 100’s transformational grant will enable GYAC to provide enrolled YEP students with:
- Salaries and wages
- Workplace and youth-level OSHA training/certification
- Transportation to and from work
- Business attire, as needed
We thank the members of Impact 100 for their generosity and look forward to working with them as we begin our journey as an Impact 100 Community Partner. We also want to recognize our Board Members who continue to support the work of GYAC and our wonderful staff who bring these dreams to life.
