By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Teens are being sought to form a charity-minded youth program for West Chester and Liberty townships.

Patti Alderson, president and founding member of the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty, has been hearing for years about youth involvement in community foundations elsewhere. As a result, the foundation is launching the Youth in Philanthropy program (YIP).

"We are looking for 12 to 18 teenagers who are interested in giving back, in sharing time and talents to improve the quality of life for others, in developing skills and knowledge to make them better citizens," she said.

Program participants will survey other students to find out what the biggest youth issues are in their communities and will ask community organizations for ideas about programs that need funding. Members will then decide which projects would most benefit their peers and provide grants to the organizations.

YIPs will begin with a grant from the foundation, but will have to come up with fund-raising plans to maintain the program.

The program is open to West Chester and Liberty Township students in grades 9-12. Applicants must live in the Lakota Local School District, but may attend any high school in Greater Cincinnati.

Interested youths can attend one of two informational meetings at the West Chester Administration Building, noon-1 p.m. Saturday and 7:30-8:30 p.m. Monday.

For information on The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty, visit www.wclfoundation.com or call 874-5450.