Youth Empowerment Educational Grants

In a Perfect World

In a Perfect World is pleased to offer our Youth Empowerment Educational Grants program. The program awards social-emotional learning, youth development, and service learning curricula to teachers, youth leaders, counselors, and education professionals.
Apply now! Our application window closes January 31st, 2024

*** Our application window is currently closed & will reopen in May 2024 ***

IAPW curricula are intended to be used in school, after school, and at community resource centers, engaging students from grades 3-12. Grants cover the cost of one complete classroom kit, implementation training, and ongoing support. All curricula are aligned with Common Core Education Standards, as well as CASEL’s social-emotional competencies.

Recipients may choose one of the following social-emotional, service-learning, youth development programs:

Introduction to Dreamcatchers

Through the power of art and storytelling, Dreamcatchers teaches kids about social issues from hunger and poverty to clean water and climate change, cultivating their natural empathy for other children and for the planet, and empowering them to make a difference.

  • available for grades 3-5 and 6-8, including differentiation strategies & extensions.
  • includes 8 complete lessons, a facilitator workbook, and a stipend for art & project supplies.
  • view the Dreamcatchers scope and sequence here.

INSPIRE: What Makes Me, ME?

INSPIRE is a social-emotional learning curriculum fortifying young people to become the best version of themselves and preparing them to be empathetic leaders. 

  • ideal for middle and high school students
  • interactive journal-based journey, allowing youth to explore their inner self and reflect on their personal growth using guided journal prompts. 
  • journals provided for each student, along with a facilitator guide.
  • view the INSPIRE scope and sequence here.

Youth Ambassadors Micro Grants

  • ideal for middle and high school students.
  • includes stipend for a youth-led group service project and/or matching fundraising goal. 
  • Youth Ambassadors’ community service toolkit and coaching provided. 
  • learn more about our Youth Ambassadors program here.

Apply for a Grant

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Explore More Programs

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About the 2023–2024 Scholarship Program

Hear from past recipients:

During the Youth Ambassadors sessions, students have the opportunity to discover their true selves and learn all the parts that make them who they are. They have taken a deep dive into understanding identity, values, strengths, passions, goals, and how to support themselves.

Rayshonna, Senior Director of Youth Programs

The highlights of the Dreamcatchers series for me were the self-reflection and discovery that I watched students explore. Their thoughts were no longer swirling around in their mind. They had a safe space to share their ideal world. The content of the lessons was very thoughtful, student-friendly, and easy to follow.

Modestine, Instructional Coach

Some of the highlights of the Dreamcatchers program were the activities that the students got to complete. I enjoyed being able to see the students’ personalities come through with the different aspects of each topic.

Meaghan, Middle School Teacher

Have questions? Please contact Jessica Akintunde, IAPW Youth Empowerment Program Manager at jessica@iapw.org or 833-444-4079

What my three children have learned as Youth Ambassadors for In a Perfect World has been the most impactful, formative, and character-building experiences of their lives. In a Perfect World has empowered them to discover the power within themselves to make positive changes in their community and in the world, and to lean forward, even as youth, as thought leaders and responsible humanitarians. These experiences have positively influenced the trajectory of their lives, and they will be change-makers, true leaders, and genuine givers because of In a Perfect World’s impartation of servant leadership.

Parent – Lele