By Shannon Lukens.

 

A new statewide leadership program has started up in Routt County. It’s called YouthRoots. Nine  high school students from Steamboat Springs are participating to learn more about philanthropy.

Ellen Hartman is the local facilitator.

“They are learning about causes in the community, they’re learning about how every step in philanthropy works, that all acts small and big matter, and they’re learning about the causes here that serve our youth in Routt County.”

Hartman says youth typically identify important issues three years in advance of when adults identify them. The students meet with local community and nonprofit leaders every Sunday through the school year, to hear what their organizations are doing.