Frequently Asked Questions

Action Plan: The business plan that all Venturers must complete before starting their Venture.

Ally: A non-controlling adult who has agreed to help mentor and support a specific Venture.

• Technical Ally: A non-controlling adult who specializes in a specific field who has agreed to answer the technical questions of a specific team. (Example: An engineer helping answer the questions of a robotics team)

Ashoka: Ashoka’s Youth Venture (a primary partner to the program based out of DC)

Cause: A problem or need in a community that a Venture has decided to help fix.

Champion: The staff liaison of a partner school who is responsible for running the UWYV program at the school.

Changemaker: A term coined by the social entrepreneurship organization, Ashoka, meaning one who desires change in the world and, by gathering knowledge and resources, makes that change happen. To learn more, click here.

MWCC: Mount Wachusett Community College

Outreach Specialist: A UWYV staff member whose responsibility is to visit each partner site on a weekly basis to support the Champion and mentor the Venturers.

Panel: The presentation of the Venture to a group of community leaders and experts who will determine if the Venture is ready to start and how much seed funding they should receive.

• Mock Panel: A trial panel experience in which Venturers present to UWYV staff to get feedback in preparation for the real panel.

Partner Site: A school that has partnered with the UWYV to implement the program for their students.

Pay It Forward: A Each Venture team donates 10% of all annually raised funds to go toward the seed funding of future Ventures at their school.

Revolving Fund: The pool of money that each partner site grows from unused seed funding and Pay It Forward funds to use towards future Venture seed funding in following years.

Seed Funding: The one-time initial funding that a Venture receives from panel to help them start their project.

UWYV: United Way Youth Venture

Venture: A group of two or more students who work together to use their passions and skills to help solve a problem they see in the world today.

• Launched Venture: A Venture which has been approved by a panel.
• Pipeline Venture: A Venture which is has not yet gone to panel.
• Project-Based Venture: A Venture that has an end goal or date and does not need to continue.
• Sustainable Venture: A Venture that can continue on an annual basis

Venturer: A student who is a member of a UWYV team.

Does United Way Youth Venture conflict with class time for my child?

No it does not. Participation in the UWYV program is optional and we ensure that all students and teachers understand that students must not let their time in UWYV conflict with their grades. However, through UWYV, we work to help students take the skills they learn with us and apply them within the classroom to help raise their personal expectations and strive for higher grades.

What do the students learn while in United Way Youth Venture?

Part of the United Way Youth Venture mission is to teach students the skills that are necessary to succeed in school, future careers, and their own personal lives. Some of the many skills they learn to use include: budgeting, goal setting, professional communication, teamwork, and courage to express their own ideas in public.

Does it cost money for the students to join United Youth Venture?

There is no cost to the students to join the program.

What are the benefits for the students if they join?

There are many benefits for students who are involved with UWYV. Through the program, students will gain 21^st century job experience that they can add to their resume to earn better jobs, improve their college application and chance to receive scholarships through their experience in civic engagement, and become a part of a growing network of people in civic engagement worldwide.

Do I need to give permission for my child to be a part of United Way Youth Venture?

All students who are involved with a Venture Team must have a parent sign two permission forms. One is a liability document which explains that they are responsible for representing the UWYV program professionally and using Venture funds responsibly. The second is a media permission form to let us know if we are allowed to post pictures of your child for marketing and social media purposes. We also recommend that you take the time to speak with your child about their project, so that you can ensure you feel comfortable in the direction they are taking and know how you can help them in the future.

How can I help be a part of the United Way Youth Venture program?

There are many ways parents can get involved with the program outside of just supporting your child’s work. Parents can become an Ally for a Venture Team in which you are the non-controlling mentor for that team’s questions, needs, and events. Parents may also act as a panelist if they have real world experience that will help strengthen a particular Venture project.

What is a Venture?

A Venture is a group of two or more students who work together to use their passions and skills to help solve a problem they see in the world today.

What types of topics can I choose from for my Venture?

There are an unlimited number of projects that you can choose to do as long as you are using your passion to make your choice. Venturers have done everything from using their passion for music to raise money for better equipment for the school art programs to using their love of soccer to help stop the spread of malaria in Africa. Just make sure that your parents or guardians know what you are trying to do and are give you permission to work on the subject of your choice.

What would I have to do to start my own Venture?

You can start your Venture at any time in the year once you find your inspiration to help change the world. All you have to do is let the UWYV Champion at your school know that you are interested in starting a Venture and they can help guide you on your next steps. They will also help connect you to the UWYV staff in case you need extra support.

Do I have to be at the weekly meetings or classes to be in UWYV?

No, this program is available to every student at each of your partner sites. If you cannot attend the UWYV meetings or classes, due to personal or educational reasons, but still have an idea that you would like to turn into a Venture, you can speak to your Champion or UWYV staff about setting up other possible meeting times that work for both you and them.

How long does it take to launch a Venture?

There is no specific timetable to starting your own Venture; it all depends on your level of interest and commitment to finishing the Action Plan for your Venture. Some teams have been able to launch within two months of coming up with their Venture, while others have taken close to two years to finish the process.

How does the funding work for my Venture?

Once each Venture is approved by the panel, the panel has a chance to award teams’ seed funding to start their Venture from UWYV. The seed funding amount is determined by the panel based upon how much the team shows they need start-up funds proven by their estimated budget. The panel may come to the conclusion that a team may need more or less money than originally requested.

What are the benefits for me if I join?

There are many benefits for students who are involved with UWYV. Through the program, you will start and strengthen friendships with those who are as passionate about helping as you, gain 21st century job experience that you can add to your resume to earn better jobs, improve your college application and chance to receive scholarships through your experience in civic engagement, and become a part of a growing network of people in civic engagement worldwide.

Does United Way Youth Venture take away from class time learning?

No it does not. UWYV is offered either after school or during workshop periods that do not interfere with any classes. Venturers understand that they cannot let their work with UWYV interfere with their grades or classwork.

How does the program benefit the students who are involved?

There are many benefits for students who are involved with UWYV. Through the program, students will gain 21st century job experience that they can add to their resume to earn better jobs, improve their college application and chance to receive scholarships through their experience in civic engagement, and become a part of a growing network of people in civic engagement worldwide.

What roles do the United Way Youth Venture staff and Champion play?

The Champion is the primary school staff member for UWYV which comprises both mentoring students through the Venture process and acting as a liaison between the staff of the school and UWYV staff for all extra needs. Members of the UWYV staff engage students on a weekly basis through supporting the Champion and helping mentor the Venturers.

How can I help be a part of the United Way Youth Venture program?

There are many ways teachers can get involved with the program outside of just supporting the Venture Teams in their school and community. Teachers can become an Ally for a Venture Team in which you are the non-controlling mentor for that team’s questions, needs and events. Teachers can also act as a panelist for Ventures to help ensure that the Ventures will be successful.

How can I bring the United Way Youth Venture program into my class?

The UWYV program greatly complements the standards of the Common Core. If you are interested in adapting the program into your classroom, you can reach out to the UWYV staff to create a unit that includes the lessons of UWYV. This can not only help your students, but much of the UWYV documentation can be used to complete your annual teacher evaluation.