H.E.Y! - Hear Erie's Youth

Hear Erie’s Youth! (H.E.Y!), a program of The Erie Community Foundation, and governed by local middle and high school students, is focused on youth gaining a better understanding of real community issues and contributing their voice and perspective to advocate for a stronger, more inclusive community. Members of H.E.Y! learn from community leaders, gain knowledge on the basics of philanthropy, invest real dollars to address youth and community related issues, engage in hands-on service learning, and elevate the youth voice in our region.

In the last four years, H.E.Y! committee members showcased leadership in the community through:

• Awarding over $40,000 in grant funding to local organizations to address immediate of youth


• Conducting dozens of service-learning projects benefitting a wide range of nonprofits including Autism Society, Shriner’s Hospital, Community Shelter Services, Bethany Outreach Center, and many more


• Learning about and connecting with the nonprofits working to serve youth and families