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District Grant Proposal: Life Skills and Beyond
Rotary Club: Mesa West Rotary Club
District Grant Amount Requested: $5,000 ($2500 Mesa West / $2500 District match)
Project Overview:
Mesa West Rotary Club is excited to launch the east valley Life Skills and Beyond event, a dynamic, hands-on event designed to equip youth ages 11-22 with essential life skills through engaging, interactive learning stations. This free, public event will serve the broader Mesa community (east valley), aligning with Rotary's mission of empowering youth and building stronger, more capable future leaders.
Students will rotate through multiple skill stations (10-15 stations) where they will gain practical knowledge in areas such as:
- Car maintenance
- Sewing basics
- Pasta making
- First Aid / CPR
- Self-defense techniques
- Improv & public speaking
- Other essential life skills
Participants will receive a Life Skills Passport to be validated at each station. Completion of stations will enter students into a prize drawing, encouraging full participation and engagement throughout the event.
Target Audience:
- Youth aged 11-22
- Families in the east valley
- Open to the general public at no cost
Project Objectives:
- Teach fundamental life skills often not covered in traditional school curriculum
- Foster confidence, self-reliance, and problem-solving abilities among youth
- Promote Rotary's commitment to youth development and community engagement
- Encourage family and community involvement in youth education
Use of Grant Funds:
The requested funds will be used for:
- Venue Rental (space to accommodate multiple stations and attendees)
- Chair and Table Rentals (for each station and food service areas)
- Education Station Supplies (tools, materials, equipment for activities)
- Food and Beverages: breakfast, snacks, water, lunch
Event Supplies
- Signs and banners for directions and station labeling
- Bags for students to collect materials/information
- Name tags for participants, volunteers, and presenters
- Walkie-talkies for event communication and coordination
Life Skills Passport Materials
- Printing and prizes for passport validation drawing
Rotary Club Involvement, Mesa West Rotarians & partners will:
- Plan and organize the event
- Volunteer to staff registration, food distribution
- Volunteer to staff and host educational stations
- Promote the event within local schools and youth organizations
- Follow up with participants and families to measure the impact of the event
Timeline: This project will be hosted before the end of the 2025-2026 Rotary year. The current plan is to host this event in the fall of 2025.
Community Impact: This event directly supports Mesa West Rotary's vision for strong, community-based youth programs. By providing real-world skills in an accessible and engaging environment, we empower young people to confidently face everyday challenges. Additionally, this initiative strengthens Rotary's visibility and demonstrates our active investment in the future of Mesa's youth.
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