Where Young Leaders Shape the Future of Roscommon County.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) brings together students across Roscommon County who want to make a real difference.
These young leaders give their time, talents, voices, and creativity to improve the lives of youth throughout our community — and their impact is felt everywhere.
YAC members play an active role in grantmaking, community service, and hands-on volunteer projects that strengthen Roscommon County. Their leadership helps to guide the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund, which supports programs and projects across the county.
Since launching in 1997, the RCCF Youth Advisory Council has recommended more than $215,000 in grants to support youth-focused projects — and they continue to make a powerful difference each year.
How YAC Began in Michigan
In the 1990s, the Kellogg Foundation issued a statewide Youth Challenge that transformed how young people engage in philanthropy. Through this effort:
- Michigan foundations created 86 permanent youth endowment funds
- More than $47.6 million was invested by Kellogg
- Over 1,500 young people began serving on Youth Advisory Councils across the state
- Communities raised more than $100 million in local support
As part of this statewide initiative, the Roscommon County Community Foundation launched its own YAC in 1997 — and the tradition of youth leadership has been going strong ever since.ency.
Our Mission as a Youth Advisory Council
YAC members work together to:
Make Grant Recommendations
YAC members help award thousands of dollars each year to projects that directly benefit youth across Roscommon County. They review applications, assess community needs, and recommend how funds from the Kellogg Youth Fund should be distributed.
Participate in Fund Development
YAC just doesn’t give grants—they help grow the pot! YAC encourages community giving and helps raise awareness about the importance of funding youth-led and youth-serving initiatives, by showcasing “youth as resources” through leadership and community service.
Volunteer for Service Projects
Service projects offer hands-on learning and enrichment for our YAC members. From organizing service projects to volunteering and advocating for youth voices, YAC members are actively involved in making our community a better place to live, learn, and lead.
Volunteering: Hands-On Impact
Kids Helping Kids – Shopping Day
Every year YAC members join students from the Houghton Lake and Roscommon Interact Clubs to shop for over 70 local children in foster care through the Kids Helping Kids program. Carts are filled with warm clothes, toys, books, and thoughtful gifts — each chosen with compassion and joy. The aisles are full of teamwork, laughter, and heart.
Kids Helping Kids – Gift Wrapping Day
YAC and Interact students then gather again at the DHHS office to wrap every single gift. Rolls of wrapping paper, handmade bows, cheerful energy, and acts of kindness fill the room. Every gift is wrapped with care for a child who will feel seen and celebrated this holiday season.These events reflect exactly what YAC stands for: generosity, leadership, and making life brighter for others.
Site Visits – Helping the A.R.K.
YAC and members of the RCCF Board spent a meaningful day volunteering at the A.R.K. (Association to Rescue Kritters) in Roscommon. They rolled up their sleeves to: rake enclosures, lay fresh bedding for the animals, clean up around the property, and take a behind-the-scenes tour to meet the rescued animal residents.
Youth as Grantmakers: Funding Real Change
Through the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund, YAC members lead the way in supporting important youth-centered initiatives. For 2025, YAC has awarded:
- $1,500 – ACT NOW for the Kids Helping Kids Program
- $1,000 – Artesia Youth Park for the Heat Recovery Project
- $1,031 – Kirtland Community College Foundation for the Student Emergency Fund
- $3,500 – Roscommon Area Recreation Authority for the EZ Ice Rink
YAC takes grantmaking seriously — reviewing applications, discussing needs, and deciding how to best support youth in Roscommon County.
After grants are awarded, YAC members participate in site visits, meet with nonprofits, and see their funding in action — making their learning experience even more meaningful.
Meet Our 2025–2026 Youth Advisory Council
Our YAC is made up of dedicated, energetic students who care deeply about their community and each other. These students represent the heart of youth leadership in Roscommon County — and we are so proud of each of them.
Current Members Include:
Back row:
Jackson Hand, Easton Huntley, Hunter Randel, Auggy Dilley, Jack Erickson, Simran Kaur, Eliza Evans, Layla, and Ash Kemeza.
Front row:
Emma Brewer, Annabelle Lloyd, Michaela Heit, Eli Welker, and Makayla McNealy.
Not pictured:
Tanner Green, Jia Rees, Alycen Bruce, Braelynn Barnes, Brea Green, and Madisyn Rose.
Meetings & Collaboration
YAC brings together students from Houghton Lake High School, Roscommon High School, Charlton Heston Academy, and any interested homeschooled students or private school students within the county.
Meetings are held once a month during the school year and rotate between:
- Houghton Lake
- Roscommon
- Saint Helen
These meetings create a unique space where students from across the county learn from one another, share ideas, and work together toward a common purpose — creating a stronger community for all youth.
YAC Con: Leadership That Lasts
Each year, YAC members have the opportunity to attend YAC Con — Michigan’s Youth Grantmakers Summer Leadership Conference at Saginaw Valley State University.
It’s a life-changing experience full of new friendships, leadership workshops, hands-on philanthropy training, and unforgettable memories.
This year, Hunter, Ash, and Eli attended alongside YAC Coordinator, Ellie Luck — and came back inspired, motivated, and ready to lead.
Their words say it best:
“YAC CON was life changing… something I will forever remember.” — Hunter
“It gave me the push I needed… and amazing friends outside my community.” — Eli
For Ash, now a three-year attendee, the skills and confidence they bring back enrich the entire group.
Want to Join YAC? You Belong Here
If you’re a student in 8th–12th grade at:
- Houghton Lake High School
- Roscommon High School
- Charlton Heston Academy
- Or you are a homeschooled or private school student in Roscommon County
…then YAC is for you.
You don’t need leadership experience — just heart, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference.
👉 Meetings are held once a month
👉 Transportation options vary by school
👉 You’ll build friendships, leadership skills, and community impact that lasts a lifetime
Start your YAC Journey
Have questions?
Contact our YAC Coordinator:
- Erica Luck – rccf.yac@gmail.com
- Or reach the Roscommon County Community Foundation at (989) 275-3112.
Ready to Make a Difference?
You have a voice. You have ideas. You can make a difference.
Join a team of passionate students creating real change in our community.
