Teenagers from the Coatesville area will soon be actively learning what it means to be philanthropists.

The Brandywine Health Foundation will choose about a dozen students in the Coatesville Area School District to serve on the board of the Coatesville Youth Philanthropy program and dole out $15,000, said Renee Fairconeture, who will lead the new program.

The foundation is developing the program for 14- to 18-year-olds to teach them about the needs of their community, empower them to make tough financial decisions, and help them see the value of philanthropy.

“We feel it will be a wonderful thing for everyone in the community,” Fairconeture said.

The teenagers will review applications from nonprofits, visit their facilities, and interview them. The students will decide how to give away $15,000, a grant from Citadel Federal Credit Union.

The Coatesville Youth Philanthropy program is one of several programs promoting youth empowerment, joining similar programs like YOUTHadelphia, The North Philadelphia Youth Advisory Council, and The Enterprise Center’s Executive Incubator.

The Brandywine Health Foundation plans to form the board by September. Teens who want to apply can email rfairconeture@brandywinefoundation.org.

Image via Brandywine Health Foundation / Mo Manklang