Back to School, Back to Listening
Learning by Doing
As summer comes to a close, we are celebrating a successful school year of sorts at YouthBridge. Earlier this summer, we introduced you to Senya Simmons, our 2026 summer intern and Pershing Fellow. Over the past several months, Senya has moved beyond learning about philanthropy to making a meaningful contribution to our work. As part of her fellowship, she helped develop and conduct a survey of nonprofit partners who have applied for one of YouthBridge’s four Grant Programs. She brought that project to completion with thoughtful work and meaningful results that are already helping us better understand the organizations we serve. Now, Senya is heading back to UMSL for her junior year—but thankfully, she is not leaving us behind. Through a new internship opportunity, she will continue working with YouthBridge 6–8 hours each week. We are excited to watch her continue learning, contributing and growing throughout the school year.
A Word From Senya’s Supervisor
Elphanie “Sissy Swift,” Vice President of Grants & Community Initiatives
“Senya approached the nonprofit survey with curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to understand the experiences of the organizations we serve. Her work provided valuable insights that will help YouthBridge strengthen our understanding of nonprofit needs and continue to be a more responsive community partner.”
Listening to Our Partners
Senya is not the only one going back to school. YouthBridge is, too. The nonprofit survey was an opportunity for us to listen and learn from the organizations doing the work every day. Of the 40 Nonprofit Partners invited to participate, 21 responded. Their feedback affirmed that relationships matter and also pointed us toward areas where we can continue to improve, including opportunities for peer learning, capacity building, feedback and connection beyond the grant cycle. Rather than simply collecting feedback, we are using what we learned to ask better questions about how YouthBridge can be a more responsive and useful partner. The full survey process gave us a deeper understanding of what nonprofits are experiencing—and there is more for us to learn.
The Learning Continues
Our learning never stops. That is part of what makes YouthBridge a different kind of community foundation. We believe meaningful partnership requires more than processing applications, distributing grants or managing charitable funds. It requires listening closely, understanding the people and organizations we serve, and being willing to adjust as their needs evolve.
As we head into a new season, we are putting what we have learned to work. If you are a nonprofit leader looking for ways to strengthen your organization or elevate your impact, let us talk about where YouthBridge can help. If you are a donor looking for thoughtful recommendations about organizations and opportunities to support, we can help you connect your generosity with meaningful needs across our community. The school year may be beginning, but for YouthBridge, learning—and putting what we learn into action—is year-round. Call Andranique Joe to start the conversation.