Boys & Girls Club of Rosebud Gets Grant to Prepare Next Generation of Leaders

The Boys & Girls Club of Rosebud has a plan to grow young leaders who are equipped with skills, self-determination and resiliency. It’s called the Rosebud Youth Enterprise Project, and the club has received a $75,000 Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) from South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to bring that vision to life. 

SDCF’s BIG program is designed to support community-based problem solving across South Dakota. It’s a partnership with Bush Foundation based in St. Paul, Minn. 

“This grant gives our kids a real chance to dream, build and try hard things. Thanks to SDCF, they’ll have the structure, mentorship and encouragement they need to turn an idea into something meaningful,” said the club’s Executive Director Rachel Kocak. “We’re deeply grateful for SDCF’s belief in our kids and their futures.” 

The Youth Enterprise Project is a structured, youth-led entrepreneurship program for children ages 10-18. Participants will identify business ideas and opportunities, create plans for implementing those ideas, and eventually launch their plans. Along the way, they will learn fundamental business skills, enhance math and writing skills, practice goal setting, and build resiliency when faced with inevitable challenges. 

The structure established with this project, including supportive mentors and a safe, encouraging environment, will be critical to its success. The club expects to start small and build a foundation from which to grow. 

“The BIG program is all about developing, testing and spreading ideas that can make our region better for all residents. It’s also about inspiring and equipping leaders with the skills they need to be effective,” said SDCF’s Senior Program Officer Ginger Neimann. “The Rosebud Youth Enterprise Project does both these things, and we are pleased to be able to support this work.”  

To learn more about funding opportunities through SDCF, visit SDCommunityFoundation.org.