Arnolds Park, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) – The Okoboji Foundation has announced its 2025-2026 Youth in Philanthropy class, marking the program’s 16th year.

This year’s group includes 34 students from Spirit Lake, Okoboji, and Lake Park high schools. The program was created to teach the next generation about community needs, leadership, and philanthropy. Students meet monthly at various local non-profits and gain hands-on experience in fundraising and grantmaking.

Last year’s class raised a record-breaking $112,000. Since its beginning in 2010, the program has granted more than $649,000 to 34 local nonprofit organizations.

The current fundraising drive runs through March 31st, 2026, with grant awards announced in May 2026. If you’d like to support the students’ efforts, you can call the Okoboji Foundation at 712-332-7177 or visit their website at okobojifoundation.org

First Row L-R: Riley Meyer, Karna Droegmiller, Nora Conover, Ada Conover, Gemma Tamisiea, Jada Vander Wolde, Sydney Rahe, Luka Martin, Reece Logan, Addison Munson, Summer Stoller

Second Row L-R: Elah Brouwer, Ella Kasperbauer, Bethany Frostestad, Peyton Bosch, Cadence Carlson, Isla Nelson, Cecelia Harris, Anabel Sinz, Elanor Sinz, Anthea Leupold, Norah Danbom

Third Row L-R: Cruz Nitchals, Ethan Weston, Calan Peters, Dexter Peters, Trey Vander Pol, Jacob Neuharth, Colton Johnson, Wesley Evans, Asher Wipperfurth, Cruz Naatjes, Cole Donnenwerth, Beckett Rahe