**The application window for the 2023-24 year has closed**
St. John’s Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) will begin its fourth season of classes in fall 2023. This initiative, which was started by staff and lay leaders, gathers high school students in a small group setting for lunch and a monthly discussion about sharing in God’s abundance through investment. Due to the response from our young people, St. John’s expanded its GPL offerings last fall. There are now three classes that meet on Sundays (September through April) during the program year!
WHO IT IMPACTS: Through the GPL program, Youth are entrusted with church funds to make micro-loans (through kiva.org) and positively impact people in the US and around the world.
WHAT YOU LEARN: Using scripture and group discussion, we consider “who is our neighbor?” and how can we share God’s abundance by investing in others. Additionally, Youth learn about risk, diversification, barriers to capital, and debt. They acquire a basic understanding of loans, what life is like for the poorest of the poor, and what kinds of programs do and don’t help. They also learn the difference between spending one’s own money and being entrusted with the responsibility of being good stewards of church funds. Youth involved in GPL take on leadership roles, deepen their faith, and work together to create a final presentation for the parish.
PROGRAM LEADERS: GPL is led by Kate Kile (Director of Finance & Faith Formation) and Youth Ministry leaders, along with parishioners and professionals from the Tallahassee community in the fields of education, finance, government, economics, biology, and technology: Stephanie Amidon, Ben Bowersox, Austin Carroll, Jeff Couch, Allison Dillehay, JR Saginario, and Bo Shippen.
COURSES OFFERED: All new students must first attend the “Year 1” session. Returning students will have the option of continuing with our “Year 2” curriculum or advancing to our “Year 3” offering.
- Year 1: global philanthropy, micro-loans, personal finance, global poverty, and hunger
- Year 2: economic impact of racism in America
- Year 3: creation care – investing in a sustainable future
TIME COMMITMENT: We ask that Youth commit to attending ALL sessions on the following dates. Gatherings will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 PM on Sundays, unless otherwise indicated:
- September 10, 2023
- October 5, 2023 (Thursday at 6 PM) – Dinner & Movie
- October 29, 2023
- November 12, 2023
- December 10, 2023
- January 28, 2024
- February 25, 2024
- March 24, 2024
- April 7, 2024 (Sunday at 11:15 AM) – Parish Presentation during Coffee & Connection Hour
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION: Upon acceptance into GPL, we request that all first-year students contribute $25 at the first Sunday session, preferably from their own savings/earnings to combine with funds provided by St. John’s to make loans. This by no means should be a barrier for anyone, need-based scholarships will be available upon request. Returning students will invest with accumulated loan repayments.
Use the form below to apply for the 2023-24 Global Philanthropy Leaders program. Applications will be accepted through 6/30/2023. Please contact Kate Kile with questions regarding GPL or the application process.
**The application window for the 2023-24 year has closed.**
