Kickoff event welcomed inaugural group of students from three local schools
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (September 3, 2024) – United Way of Greater Chattanooga is proud to announce the launch of Youth United, a leadership and volunteer program for high school students. Research shows that volunteering at a young age leads to long-term, meaningful outcomes such as stronger community connections, better academic performance, and even higher odds of future employment. Youth United encourages students to discover causes they are passionate about and uniquely removes barriers through nonprofit connections.
Last week’s kickoff event brought together students and faculty from Brainerd High School, Hixson High School, and Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (CSLA). Young professionals from United Way’s Emerging Leaders group also joined, sharing their experiences as community leaders. The group engaged in discussions on leading with integrity, toured The Bethlehem Center to learn about its services, and prepared 100 backpacks and 100 snack packs for donation to the center. Photos from the event can be found here.
“Engaging with our local nonprofits and giving back is a powerful way to learn and grow,” said Natalie Patric, Director of Community Engagement at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “We’re thrilled to launch this program with such a passionate group of students and can’t wait to see the impact these young leaders will make.”
Youth United is more than just a volunteer program—it’s about fostering leadership, building connections, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Through mentorship, service projects, and opportunities to connect with students from different schools, participants will gain hands-on experience that will prepare them for success in both school and life. The year-long program includes four exciting volunteer projects, each hosted by a different nonprofit, where students will learn about the organization before diving into service.
Powered by the generosity of the Tennessee Valley Authority and foundation support, the 2024-2025 school year marks the beginning of Youth United, with plans to expand the program to include more schools and students in the coming years.
For more information about Youth United and how to get involved, visit staging.unitedwaycha.org/youth-united.
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About United Way of Greater Chattanooga
Since 1922, the United Way of Greater Chattanooga has worked to unite people and resources to build a stronger, healthier community. For more information, visit staging.unitedwaycha.org.