BELLE GLADE — As the school year ends, two graduating Seniors at Glades Central Community High School who went through Philanthropy Tank, say the opportunities the program gave them have changed their lives and given them the necessary tools to continue to pursue their dreams.

Philanthropy Tank empowers and inspires the next generation of CHANGE makers by challenging and equipping students to implement sustainable service-driven solutions to problems impacting our community.

Anajiah Graham and I’Yunni Phillips founded Stand Up, Be Counted, a student-led program that helped increase the 2020 Census completion rate in the Glades Tri-City area while also registering residents to vote. Philanthropy Tank awarded them funding last year.

“My experience with Philanthropy Tank made me realize that I have a very big goal and passion for helping others in my community. Philanthropy Tank helped me realize that my goals were not surreal,” says Phillips.

“My experience with Philanthropy Tank will better help me with understanding the pros and cons of any situation. This experience has helped me not get overwhelmed and frustrated when something didn’t go my way,” adds Graham.

Graham will attend Florida A&M University in the fall. Phillips is still deciding between several colleges. They both hope more 8th-12th grade Glades Tri-City area students will apply to Philanthropy Tank and learn the importance of community service for a better future.

“The advice I would give is to always follow your heart. If there is something that you know is your passion and you love doing, Philanthropy Tank will definitely help you execute it,” says Phillips.

“We congratulate our graduating seniors knowing that they have only scratched the surface of the impact they will make in the world. Through Philanthropy Tank we share skills that will help with personal and professional development as students launch their community impact programs. We are inspired by these students, and know that the lessons learned from their experience will serve them well as they continue to grow as philanthropic individuals who care about others and their community’s ability to thrive and prosper,” says Philanthropy Tank CEO, Amy Brand.

The nonprofit organization is currently accepting a new class of young philanthropists to apply at https://www.philanthropytank.org/apply/ .

The sixth class of Philanthropy Tank Palm Beach County students were recently awarded nearly $70,000 in grant money to support their seven student-led philanthropic programs. To date, Philanthropy Tank has awarded nearly $700,000 in funding to more than 50 projects in Palm Beach County and Baltimore, Maryland.