On March 24, School District of Palm Beach County students took the stage at the 11th annual Philanthropy Tank Finals as CEOs, advocates, and innovators. From environmental sustainability to youth legal literacy, these teams proved that the next generation of CHANGEmakers is here.
Students received a total of $60,000 from philanthropist mentors to execute their ideas and bring their concepts to life. The financial assistance and mentoring will support these initiatives that address pressing needs in Palm Beach County.
Congratulations to the following students:
The Fine Print Project – Taylor Salee: Spanish River Community High School
Dedicated to bridging the gap between teenagers and the legal systems that shape their daily lives. The goal is to make corporate and digital law less intimidating and more accessible to the next generation. The project aims to teach students how to protect themselves online, identify red flags in contracts, and make informed decisions about their rights and data.
Girls Shooting for Success – Kaitlyn Maldonado, Addison Bracken: Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
A mentorship and empowerment program that helps young girls build confidence, leadership skills, and self-awareness through basketball. The goal is to show that success on and off the court starts with self-discipline, teamwork, and believing in yourself.
Mix, Measure, Mentor – Ahkeam Ivy, Jordan Johnson: Palm Beach Lakes Community High School
An innovative bakery and cooking lab that brings together learning, leadership, and community connection. The project engages 10-15 elementary school children (ages 7-11, with a focus on youth from the Historic Northwest District) in hands-on cooking and baking workshops led and mentored by middle and high school students.
Smiles for Seniors – Marlee Robson: William T. Dwyer High School
Aims to provide companionship and comfort to underserved seniors in a local assisted living facility. To do this, students will host lively and engaging activities once a month at senior assisted living facilities in Palm Beach County.
Artful Abilities – Vedhasa Kallam, Reya Chennath, Raina Zhao: Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Bringing arts and crafts, as well as other art-based opportunities, to disabled children, immersing them in hobbies and helping them to develop the interests they may want to pursue in the future. The hope is to create a space for children with disabilities or special needs to make them feel more a part of the community.
Cafe Compost – Lillian Benson, Brea Benson: Suncoast Community High School
This project aims to reduce food waste and food insecurity within our schools and the environment by creating a compost program in West Palm Beach. The plan is to collect food waste and create local community composting areas like Coleman Park and Singer Island. These gardens will give local residents the ability to grow fresh and affordable produce for their families.
Civics4Kidz – Kyle Parsons, Stella Singer: Suncoast Community High School
This project turns a bright retrofitted trailer into a traveling civic playground that brings hands-on government to middle schools. The mission is to make government fun, tangible, and empowering so that every kid sees their place in the civic story.
Dance Costumes 4 Kids – Julia Bartolomei, Elle Schwiering: William T. Dwyer High School
Collecting dance costumes that kids no longer need or want, then donating them to underprivileged studios in the Palm Beach Gardens area and throughout Palm Beach County.
For 11 years, Philanthropy Tank has helped students turn ideas into action. With this year’s awards, they have now invested more than $835,000 in student-led initiatives.
