Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Jefferson Educational Society
Legal Name (if Different): Jefferson Educational Society of Erie
Also Known As: JES
Mailing Address: 3207 State Street
City: Erie
State: PA
Postal Code: 16508
Main Phone: 814-459-8000
Main Fax: 814-459-8006
Organization Website: jeserie.org
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/26/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Erie Next Gen Leaders: Empowering Youth to Lead and Succeed
Project Description:

The Jefferson Educational Society (JES) is a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to civic enlightenment and community progress through research, discussion, and education. Since 2008, JES has provided high-quality programs that engage Erie residents in meaningful dialogue on critical issues.

JES seeks $10,000 to support Erie Next Gen Leaders, a civic education and leadership program for youth ages 14-18 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Designed to equip young people with leadership skills and a deeper understanding of civic life, the program empowers participants to become engaged citizens and future community leaders.
Held on Saturdays from June through August, Erie Next Gen Leaders offers interactive sessions featuring elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and industry professionals. Topics include civic leadership, systemic injustice, government structure, financial literacy, career pathways, and voter education. Participants must complete at least eight of ten sessions and submit a reflective essay on civic engagement to graduate. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony, where students present on issues affecting Erie. Graduates receive a stipend, a certificate, and priority acceptance into JES’s Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy upon reaching age eligibility.

Funding from the Hermanowski Foundation will cover program expenses, including marketing, speaker and participant stipends, educational materials, and program evaluation. These resources ensure equitable access to civic education, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Erie Next Gen Leaders doesn’t just educate – it empowers. By equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead, this program builds a pipeline of engaged citizens ready to shape Erie’s future. Rooted in JES’s mission of civic enlightenment and lifelong learning, it also embodies the Hermanowski Foundation’s commitment to transforming lives – giving young adults the tools to succeed and reach their full potential. The impact of this program extends beyond a classroom, fostering a new generation who will drive meaningful change in their community.

Total Project Budget: 20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Hermanowski Foundation would directly support programmatic needs, while the part-time coordinator position is covered by JES personnel budget.

Project Duration: April – August 2026
Geographical Area Served: Erie County, Pennsylvania
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Chelsea
Contact Last Name: Oliver
Contact Title: Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
Contact Phone: 814-459-8000
Contact Email: oliver@jeserie.org