Two students from the Capital Region have been selected for the inaugural National Grid Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which aims to amplify the voices of young people in shaping social impact initiatives. Damien Bennett, a resident of Schenectady, and Sean Millington, from Troy, are among twelve members chosen for this new group, which focuses on enhancing initiatives in STEM and literacy across the region.
The council is comprised of students aged 18 to 25 from New York and Massachusetts. They will begin their two-year terms in January 2024, meeting virtually four times a year with the foundation’s board, staff, and community leaders. According to Robert Simmons, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation, “This accomplished group of 12 young leaders embodies the spirit of philanthropy and community engagement.” He emphasized that their contributions will be crucial in guiding the foundation’s approach to social impact.
Both Bennett and Millington are deeply engaged in community service. Bennett, a first-year student at SUNY Schenectady County Community College, is pursuing a program in Aviation Science — Non-Pilot Administration and Management. He discovered the YAC application while exploring the college’s website. Millington, an outgoing senior at UAlbany, completed his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history in December 2023. His interest in the council was sparked by a recommendation from a former supervisor at the YMCA.
Bennett has an impressive history of community involvement. From 2016 to 2018, he served in the Civil Air Patrol at the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base. He also advocated for funding for local education initiatives while serving on the student council at Hamilton Elementary, and he currently sits on the Schenectady County Housing Task Force. Millington’s experience includes serving as the chief of staff for the SUNY Student Assembly, where he represented over 1.3 million students. Additionally, he has been involved in a Washington, D.C. internship with Rep. Paul Tonko, who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The YAC is designed to provide the foundation with insights from a youth perspective. Millington expressed enthusiasm about working with peers who are equally committed to community development. “It’s an opportunity for us to bring our concerns to the table and hear what our peers are eager to discuss,” he said.
Bennett echoed similar sentiments, looking forward to making meaningful connections and contributing to positive change. “I’m interested in the different experiences they bring and how we can work together,” he stated. Millington added, “I hope we can create tangible changes. Thankfully, I’m on the council with 11 other effective youth leaders with great experience.”
As the council begins its work, both students are eager to leverage their skills and experiences to advocate for their communities and inspire other young leaders in the region. Through the YAC, they aim to ensure that youth voices are a fundamental part of the discussions surrounding social impact initiatives, further emphasizing the importance of community engagement in shaping successful programs.
