The YEAH! Program was created to empower high school students to become leaders in promoting healthy behaviors and advocating for improved health on their school campuses and in their communities. Participating students earn community service hours through the development and implementation of their own service projects, as well as strengthen their own knowledge of the importance of healthy behaviors through extracurricular activities and by completing a teen wellness assessment, developed by teens for teens. To support student service projects, The Health Trust has also created a mini-grant program to provide up to $500 to support student projects. A select group of students are also members of The Health Trust's Youth Advisory Board, helping The Health Trust to develop the YEAH! program and serving as leaders on their school campuses.

Mini-Grants - APPLY NOW!

As part of its commitment to engaging youth as leaders in creating a healthier Silicon Valley, The Health Trust will award mini-grants in any amount up to a maximum of $500 to high school student groups throughout Santa Clara County, to support student-driven health projects. Mini-grants will support the implementation of student driven projects during the 2009-2010 academic school year. Funds must be used for projects that promote healthful eating and/or physical activity, and should include an advocacy or policy change component.

To assist students in identifying and developing an appropriate project, The Health Trust has developed a Mini-Grant Tool Kit. This Tool Kit provides students with step-by-step instructions including how to assess your current school environment, identifying resources, selecting a project, planning a project, creating a budget, and evaluating the project's success.

Proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis between January 18th, 2010 and March 31st, 2010.

YEAH! School Clubs

The Health Trust is working with high school students throughout Santa Clara County to create a network of YEAH! Clubs. Students are creating new clubs, as well as integrating the YEAH! principles into existing clubs. All YEAH! Club members commit to implementing campus and community based wellness activities, and advocating for healthy policies on their school campus.

All YEAH! Club members will also complete a teen specific wellness assessment, developed in partnership with Palo Alto Medical Foundation, establish personal health goals, and have the opportunity to participate in additional fun classes including classes on healthy cooking and gardening.

Youth Advisory Board

The Youth Advisory Board is made up of students from different high schools throughout the county who are interested in creating a healthier school environment for their peers. Students work with The Health Trust to develop programs and identify resources that support student wellness activities. Advisors also commit to leading the implementation of campus and community based wellness activities, and advocating for healthy policies on their school campus.

Application materials for 2010-2011 Youth Advisory Board will be coming soon.

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For any questions regarding the YEAH! program, email youth@healthtrust.org or call 408.961.9851.