Congratulations to Joscelyn Dieckman of DeKalb High School, recipient of the 2024 YEP Changemakers Scholarship. Joscelyn is a 2-year Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) member and a member of YEP’s proactive grant committee, YEP 2.Pro.

“YEP taught me not only how to lead but how to use my voice to make change,” remarked Joscelyn Dieckman. “Everyone deserves a voice in their community, and YEP has allowed me to advocate for those who can’t. These are only some of the valuable skills I plan to build on over my college years and career and the rest of my life.”

The YEP Changemakers Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior member of YEP who exemplifies the values and ideas of youth philanthropy in the community. This is a one-time $1,000 award for tuition or educational expenses. The scholarship is a living tribute to the life and legacy of Kurt D. Hudson, funded by his family.

YEP Changemakers Scholarship applicants have a minimum of two years of YEP membership. Applications are reviewed by a scholarship committee consisting of YEP alum and the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board.

As a youth-led committee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, Youth Engaged in Philanthropy exists to familiarize high school students in DeKalb County with local nonprofits, grantmaking, and philanthropy. The program builds up to a final meeting where members are responsible for reviewing grant applications and distributing more than $15,000 into the community. After recommendations are determined, YEP presents its grant decisions to the Community Foundation Board of Directors for final approval. The 2022-23 year YEP committee comprised of 77 high school students from ten different schools in DeKalb County.