YNAP Grant Review Board Meeting – Youth Project Presentations

The Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program (YNAP) Grant Review Board met on December 4, 2025, to hear presentations from youth groups seeking grant funding for community projects. The meeting was called to order by Chair Ayana Castro with 11 members present (Vice Chair Camarillo, Members Flank, Yturralde, Cruz, Burgess, Trevino, Lightfoot, Lopez Della Torre, Moore, Jones, Hernandez, Diaz; Members Deville and Mota were excused). After roll call and compliance confirmation, the board heard 12 presentations. No public comments were made. The board voted to reschedule one absent group and will finalize funding recommendations at a later meeting, with final approval by the Las Vegas City Council on February 4, 2026.

Presentations – Discussion Items

• Valley High School MSTEM – ReadyPrepGo Community Preparedness Fair

  • Students from Valley High School’s MSTEM (Military Science, Cybersecurity, Emergency Management) program proposed hosting a second preparedness fair, expanding from last year’s event. They demonstrated CPR and wound-packing techniques. Last year they received ~$1,000; this year they request the full $2,000 to double community participation and include more emergency partners (e.g., Las Vegas Fire & Rescue). Participants will receive instruction but not certification. Funds would purchase first aid kits for families.
  • Board questions focused on partnerships, CPR certification (not offered to attendees), and distribution of preparedness kits.

• Crown Together Crew – Crown Care

  • Students Raina Sophia Espania and Isabella Simon proposed providing specialized hair-care packages for children with textured/curly hair in hospitals. Each package includes shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, a water bottle, clips, headbands, and head covers. Last year they distributed bags at UMC; this year they seek $2,000 to expand quantity and quality. They have a partnership with UMC’s pediatric floor. Board members suggested collecting better feedback and tracking distribution.

• Westerman Family – Suit Up for Summer

  • Sisters Roma and Nicolina Westerman presented a project to collect and distribute swimsuits to children who lack proper swim attire, paired with drowning prevention information. Last year they received $1,200, collected suits at YMCA locations, and distributed over 300 suits. This year they request $2,000 to also sponsor two children from Clark County Swim Program into YMCA pre-competitive swimming, plus a workshop on swim meet basics. Board members asked about size ranges, partnerships with city pools, and safety classes (not offered due to age restrictions).

• KO Knutson Academy of the Arts Black Student Union – Being a Service to Others

  • Student leaders Chloe Hanson, Daniela Rivas, Jalen Lazat, Lavaris Will Jones, and Cataleya Roberts presented a project to support mothers and children affected by domestic violence. They plan to assemble hygiene kits, winter clothing packs, and encouragement cards for women’s shelters (e.g., Westcare). They request $2,000 to serve about 100 people, with additional funds allowing 300–350 more kits. Advisor Honda Blackman noted they have contacted Westcare but not yet received a confirmed list of needs. Board asked about volunteer roles and distribution logistics.

• John C. Fremont PDMS Leadership – School and Community Recycling, Hygiene and Sustainability Initiative

  • Eighth-grader Juliana Velazquez and seventh-grader Milana Benn presented a plan to create hygiene kits from recycled hotel soaps (partnering with Clean the World). They aim to build 500 kits at $4 each using a $2,000 grant. The project will also include school recycling education and clothing donation bins. Board members inquired about local distribution and pamphlets on recycling awareness.

• Cheyenne High School Batteries Included – Readers Reaching Readers

  • President Stephanie Irvin and Secretary Adriana Smith proposed mentoring 100 first graders at Tolland Elementary School through reading sessions, book-making, and bookmark creation. They seek $1,000 (plus $275 in donations) to provide books, supplies, and refreshments. Board recommended including a lesson on story structure and asked about volunteer numbers (~12) and confirmed the school partnership.

• Hearts and Harmony Youth – Hearts and Harmony Podcast

  • Youth leader Amani Marie and co-leader Hanaya Lewis presented a youth-led podcast and storytelling project focusing on mental health, creativity, and empowerment. They request $2,000 for microphones, headphones, snacks, and youth incentives (e.g., transportation assistance). The podcast will be recorded at a childcare center (4201 West Washington). Board asked about mental health professionals (yes), project origins, and volunteer roles.

• Mass Liberation – Roots of Liberation, The Healing Garden Circle

  • Representatives Emel Cook and Amara Young proposed a one-day healing event at Abodo Farm for youth impacted by the justice or foster systems. The event will include journaling, meditation, sound baths, and resource tables (mental health, second-chance jobs, etc.). They request $900 for venue and supplies, partnering with iRise Foundation and Mass Liberation. Board suggested connecting with Westside Education and Training Center and recommended follow-up surveys.

• GEMS, Gifted Empowered, Motivated Spartans, Shining STEM Gem Futures – Withdrew application; did not present.

• Enriching Exploration and Engineering (E3) – Lab Rats (presented by a Girl Scout)

  • A young entrepreneur (name not fully captured) presented a STEM event with interactive robots and kits at 310 West Utah in January/March 2026. She works with advisors Elizabeth Glover and Dr. Linda Johnson McClinton. She seeks $2,000 for supplies. Board asked about instructors, marketing (social media), and audience (open to all, but Girl Scouts and mother’s school will attend).

• Las Vegas Academy Black Student Union – Black Brilliance, Pathways to Academic Power

  • President Jada Knox, Vice President Damari Curtis Johnson, and Treasurer Levi Les Thomas proposed a workshop for Black eighth graders to address low graduation rates (69.8% for Black students in CCSD in 2023). The workshop will include academic empowerment kits (backpacks, folders, etc.), time-management sessions, and guest speakers (black professionals and college students). They request $2,000 for supplies, snacks, and merchandise. Board suggested partnering with organizations like 100 Black Men and including intergenerational mentoring.

• AllSparks – Robotics Mixer

  • Youth leader Victor Hill (age 10) presented a robotics mixer in partnership with First Nevada to introduce students to FIRST LEGO League Challenge. This is their third YNAP application; last year they received $1,300 for a similar project. They request $2,000 for library room rental, supplies, and Chromebooks. Anticipated reach: 80 people. Board praised the presentation and use of previous experience.

• Magical Moment Makers – The Healing Hands

  • Students Onyx A., David, and Daniela proposed collecting and donating care packages (hygiene, comfort items, food) to the Ronald McDonald Family Room at UMC. They request $2,000 for supplies. Timeline includes shopping in January/March and drop-offs in April. Board suggested gathering impact data from the charity and possibly creating family-bonding activities.

• Nevada Volunteers Youth Commissioner Project – Nevada Youth Day of Service

  • Youth Commissioner Sophia Booth presented a statewide book drive and literacy kit assembly tied to Nevada Reading Week (March 7, 2026). The project expects 100–200 youth volunteers; they seek $2,000 for supplies. She noted this is their first YNAP application and they have not yet secured other grants. Board had no questions.

Key Outcomes

• Rescheduling: The board unanimously approved (motion by Member Trevino, second by Member Diaz) allowing the absent group “Helping Heroes, Jackets for Joy” to present at either the December 8 or December 11, 2025 meeting.
• Voting on Awards: The YNAP Grant Review Board will vote on funding recommendations at a later meeting. Final recommendations will be presented to the Las Vegas City Council on February 4, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the board’s recommendations within three weeks.
• Adjournment: Chair Castro adjourned the meeting after citizen participation (no speakers).