Empowering Youth Through Innovative Grantmaking Programs in Massachusetts

In an exciting initiative that puts high school students at the forefront of philanthropy, the American Student Assistance® (ASA) has announced the launch of its inaugural Youth-Led Grantmaking program. This program allows students to actively participate in the decision-making process of grant distribution, ultimately empowering them to influence social change in their communities.

On October 6, 2025, ASA revealed that it awarded three significant grants totaling $900,000 to Massachusetts nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth services. The recipients of this funding include One Bead, Codman Square Health Center, and BioBuilder Educational Foundation, all of which are pivotal in guiding young individuals toward successful careers in critical industries. Through this program, ASA aims to provide high school juniors and seniors with essential skills in grantmaking, deepen their understanding of philanthropic efforts, and engage them in topics that resonate with Gen Z.

The Role of Students in Grantmaking

The selection process for the Youth-Led Grantmaking program began in February 2025, when ASA chose sixteen high school students from a pool of 25 candidates across eleven schools in six districts throughout Massachusetts. Emphasizing diversity, the selected students brought a variety of racial, socio-economic, and personal backgrounds to the table, ensuring that a broad spectrum of experiences influenced the grant selection process.

Over four months, these students underwent extensive workshops, researched various aspects of philanthropy, and engaged with nonprofit leaders. They learned about the historical context of philanthropy in the U.S., including its often systemic inequities, which provided them with the tools necessary to assess grant proposals effectively. This immersive approach not only educated them on critical issues but also heightened their decision-making and analytical capabilities.

Dylan Stark, one of the student participants, expressed how this experience enriched his understanding of the philanthropic process, stating, "I felt like I was being taken seriously, which I'm really grateful for. And I feel like I made a bit of an impact in being able to say, 'this is how you should support youth' as a youth."

Spotlight on Grantees

Each of the three awarded nonprofits plays a unique role in fostering youth development in Massachusetts:

1. One Bead – This organization received a $300,000 grant over three years, designed to support a school-based program that assists middle school students in exploring career options and setting academic goals. With this funding, One Bead aims to help students invest at least ten hours annually in targeted career planning, ensuring they navigate Boston's educational landscape with confidence. Sara Kittle, CEO and Founder, emphasized the significance of early career preparation, stating, "Together, we can ensure every middle grade student in Boston is equipped with the clarity and confidence they need to plan for what comes next."

2. Codman Square Health Center – Another recipient, Codman Square, also received a $300,000 grant over three years. Their programming engages students from middle school through postsecondary education, providing consistent support and exposure to healthcare professions. Dr. Guy Fish, CEO of Codman Square Health Center, highlighted the impact of these funds: "By inspiring and supporting our community youth to pursue healthcare careers, we are opening doors of opportunity while building a workforce that truly reflects and serves our neighborhood."

3. BioBuilder Educational Foundation – BioBuilder was awarded $300,000 over three years to enhance its after-school program designed to introduce high school students to the fields of bioengineering and biotechnology. This grant will enable the expansion of BioBuilder Club, providing more students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to real-world science solutions. Dr. Natalie Kuldell, Executive Director, stated: "With ASA's support, we can help more students connect classroom learning to biotechnology careers, and the impact they can have on the world."

The Future of Young Philanthropists

By centering the voices of youth in funding decisions, ASA not only challenges traditional philanthropic practices but also lays the groundwork for a future where the perspectives and needs of the younger generation are integral to community initiatives. This innovative approach ensures that programs are developed with relevance to the evolving aspirations of tomorrow's leaders.

As Julie Lammers, President and CEO of ASA, stated, “This program provides invaluable exposure to a viable career path... amplifying youth voices and honoring lived experiences demonstrates how equitable design can reshape traditional philanthropy and drive more inclusive outcomes.” As ASA moves forward, the insights gained from this pilot program will inform ongoing collaborations with philanthropic partners to enhance youth responsiveness in funding strategies, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective social impact landscape.

To learn more about American Student Assistance and its efforts to empower the next generation, visit www.asa.org/about-asa.