Taylor Chustz, Youth Venture Grant Recipient
As technology is increasingly integrated into K-12 education, many young women are using their computer skills to make a difference in the lives of others. We spoke with Taylor Chustz, a senior at St. Joesph’s Academy who recently received a Youth Venture grant to create a computer lab at Safe House for Battered Women, a faith-based organization for women and children escaping domestic violence in Baton Rouge, LA.
In December 2006, 18-year-old Taylor first volunteered as a babysitter at Safe House. Before long, she began sharing her knowledge of computers. “It’s mandatory that students at St. Joseph’s have laptops, so girls know a lot about computers.” Taylor helped maintain the organization’s six donated computers and a printer while teaching key computer skills to the women at Safe House.
A few months later, Taylor recognized a need to furnish a lecture area where residents could learn about job training. However, money at the organization was scarce. “The organization doesn’t receive much government funding because they are faith-based,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s online search for grant funding was not as easy as she expected. “I looked online for a month before I finally found one I could apply for.” The Youth Venture grant awards funding to 12-20 year olds who identify a community need and propose ways to meet that need. By the time Taylor found the grant, the deadline was two days away. “For those two days, I didn’t do anything besides apply for this grant. I didn’t do homework, didn’t sleep . . . I created a budget and applied for $1,000.”
A month later, when she received news that she had won, Taylor was thrilled. “I was very excited! I told my parents and my mentor that Youth Venture awarded us $820.”
Persistence and research played a large role in Taylor’s success. Her advice to other grant-seekers: “Apply for everything you’re eligible for. Make sure it’s relevant and know exactly what you want funding for – be specific! Sometimes, it comes down to knowing how to work a search engine.”
As Taylor heads off to college at Louisiana State University this fall, she plans to continue helping those less fortunate. “After working with Safe House, I know I want to keep helping others,” she said. “I believe in education, that it helps you to strive for something more and see the injustices around you. In the future, I would like to bring education and technology resources to Africa, Latin America, and the U.S.”
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In December 2006, 18-year-old Taylor first volunteered as a babysitter at Safe House. Before long, she began sharing her knowledge of computers. “It’s mandatory that students at St. Joseph’s have laptops, so girls know a lot about computers.” Taylor helped maintain the organization’s six donated computers and a printer while teaching key computer skills to the women at Safe House.
A few months later, Taylor recognized a need to furnish a lecture area where residents could learn about job training. However, money at the organization was scarce. “The organization doesn’t receive much government funding because they are faith-based,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s online search for grant funding was not as easy as she expected. “I looked online for a month before I finally found one I could apply for.” The Youth Venture grant awards funding to 12-20 year olds who identify a community need and propose ways to meet that need. By the time Taylor found the grant, the deadline was two days away. “For those two days, I didn’t do anything besides apply for this grant. I didn’t do homework, didn’t sleep . . . I created a budget and applied for $1,000.”
A month later, when she received news that she had won, Taylor was thrilled. “I was very excited! I told my parents and my mentor that Youth Venture awarded us $820.”
Persistence and research played a large role in Taylor’s success. Her advice to other grant-seekers: “Apply for everything you’re eligible for. Make sure it’s relevant and know exactly what you want funding for – be specific! Sometimes, it comes down to knowing how to work a search engine.”
As Taylor heads off to college at Louisiana State University this fall, she plans to continue helping those less fortunate. “After working with Safe House, I know I want to keep helping others,” she said. “I believe in education, that it helps you to strive for something more and see the injustices around you. In the future, I would like to bring education and technology resources to Africa, Latin America, and the U.S.”
Do you have questions or comments about this article? If so, please leave your feedback below.
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