In a powerful display of leadership and compassion, students from Pioneer and Woodland high schools launched food supply pantries on their campuses this spring to support classmates facing food insecurity.

The project is just one of several student-led initiatives funded through the Woodland Joint Unified School District’s new Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) Grant program, designed to uplift and empower student voice through youth-led service projects.

The grant program, funded by the district, provides students with the opportunity to decide how funds are used to improve their schools and communities.

With grants of up to $1,250 available for student groups across the district, the initiative sparked a wave of creativity, compassion, and leadership as students took action to make their campuses and communities better places to learn, connect, and grow.

As part of the district’s goal to create leadership opportunities for youth, the new grant program is student-led: SYAC students reviewed nearly 20 grant applications from fellow students and selected 12 projects to receive funding. Students on the SYAC also took the lead in shaping the program by choosing the inaugural theme: projects that improve the lives of students on or off campus.

One standout project came from the Woodland Youth Council, a student-led group with members from both Pioneer High School and Woodland High School. After identifying food insecurity as a major challenge for many of their peers, the group proposed creating a student supply pantry at each high school, stocked with food, snacks, hygiene items, and school supplies. Through a partnership with the Yolo Food Bank, the pantries opened in early May and have already served more than 100 students.

Matthew Alvarado, a senior at Woodland High School and one of the student leaders behind the project, shared how personal experience inspired the effort.

“Growing up, I saw my parents work long hours just to be able to afford food and other necessities,” Alvarado said. “I was inspired to take on this project because of my experiences. I wanted to help other kids who may be in situations like mine, so they wouldn’t have to worry about taking food home. Even if it’s something small, I hope it helps families not worry as much because they have access to local resources.”

Pioneer High School junior Julieta Rocha led a similar project at Pioneer High School.

“I’ve always wanted to do something that could make a positive difference in my community,” Rocha said. “When I saw that some students didn’t always have access to food, school supplies, or basic hygiene products, I knew I wanted to help in some way. It just didn’t seem right that anyone should have to worry about those things. That’s what inspired me to start the student pantry—to create a place where students can get what they need without stress or shame.”

Daniela Talavera Rangel, ASSETs Program Director, served as the team’s adult sponsor.

“This project was such a great opportunity for the students to step into leadership roles,” said Talavera Rangel. “They coordinated meetings, pitched their ideas, and built a partnership with Yolo Food Bank. It was their first time navigating a professional setting like this: Presenting a grant proposal, outlining a budget, and explaining their vision, and they rose to the occasion. I saw them grow more confident, more articulate, and genuinely invested in making a difference on campus. What stood out most was how well they worked together. They each brought something unique to the table and learned how to lean on each other, delegate tasks, and make decisions as a team. It was truly student-led from start to finish, and such a joy to watch them grow throughout the process.”

While the pantries will pause operations over the summer, the Woodland Youth Council is already planning for the next school year. The students are reaching out to local businesses for donations, ranging from food and hygiene products to refrigerators and shelving, and they hope to expand the variety of items available.

“This experience showed me that making a difference doesn’t have to start big,” Alvarado said. “It just has to start. We’re building something that we hope lasts for years to come.”

“It’s been a really eye-opening and meaningful experience,” added Rocha. “At first, I wasn’t sure where to start, and it felt like a big challenge. But once I connected with others who wanted to help, everything started to come together. I’ve learned that even small actions can have a big impact, and that when people come together to support a cause, real change can happen.”

The grant program reflects WJUSD’s ongoing commitment to creating leadership pathways for students and ensuring they have the opportunities, tools, and support to turn their ideas into action.

Any WJUSD club, class, or student group was eligible to apply for a grant, with each project supported by an adult sponsor, such as a teacher, counselor, or coach. Grantees proudly showcased the outcomes of their projects through presentations at the District Office on May 17.

Beyond providing funding for student ideas, the program also teaches students the fundamentals of youth philanthropy, including how to evaluate applications, discuss the merits of different proposals, and understand the importance of youth supporting youth.

To apply, each group submitted a detailed proposal to the SYAC outlining how the money would be spent, including an expense list, timeline, and implementation plan. Applicants were also asked to explain the purpose of their project, why it mattered, and how it would positively impact students.

Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin praised the students’ efforts.

“What our students have accomplished through the SYAC Grant program, especially the creation of student-led pantries to address food insecurity, is inspiring,” said Superintendent Ortega-Lampkin. “They saw a need in their community and responded with empathy, initiative, and collaboration. This is exactly the kind of student leadership we strive to cultivate at WJUSD.”