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Grants for Area Youth to Travel Abroad
Grant applications for international travel, study or work by young people ages 14-22 from Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess and northwest Litchfield counties are being accepted through February 1. The grants are available through the Youth Work Awareness Program and the Alice and Richard Henriquez Fund, both managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Applications will be judged based on how the project will engage the applicant with young people in other countries, the opportunities it offers to learn new customs and lifestyles, and whether or not it involves some form of community service. Applications are available by calling 800-969-2823, or at <www.berkshiretaconic.org>
The Alice and Richard Henriquez Memorial Fund was established by Mr. Henriquez in 1998 and has awarded over $65,000 to more than 250 young adults to travel abroad. The success of the Henriquez Fund inspired Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to establish the Youth World Awareness Program to raise additional donations so that more grants can be offered.
"Few things are as important these days as achieving peace in the world. Ignorance about other cultures and religions creates mistrust and antagonism. These grants provide wonderful hands-on opportunities for our youth to experience other cultures," stated Jennifer Dowley, Berkshire Taconic President. "I can't think of a better way to begin to break down barriers and form bonds that might better bind the world together."
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