A youth leadership program
for Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop employees

The Scoopers Making Change Program offers young people, employed in scoop shops throughout the U.S. and Canada, the opportunity to further their understanding of effective strategies for positive social change. The program targets community-minded youth (ages 17 - 21).

Participants in this week-long program will explore innovative ways businesses and individuals address community needs and solve social problems. The program provides young people with the knowledge, inspiration and confidence they need to be agents of positive social change in their communities. Scoopers Making Change participants will receive a grant of up to $1,000 to support their project.

Scoopers Making Change participants will also be eligible to join the Youth Venture Network and become connected to hundreds of like-minded youth throughout the United States, and around the world who have started and are leading their own community-benefiting ventures. Venturers receive a broad range of support, guidance, and encouragement from Youth Venture, including resources to help build and sustain their project.

Our company founders are well-known for their unique business philosophies, “If it’s not fun, why do it?” and “Business has the responsibility to give back to the community.” These two simple, yet poignant statements are the guiding spirit for the Scoopers Making Change Program. Participants will get a behind the scenes taste of life at Ben & Jerry’s and other values lead Vermont-based businesses and meet with community leaders who are effectively making change.

•  Be inspired to generate creative and effective strategies to meet community needs
•  Be energized to take action in their communities
•  Gain an understanding of how businesses can make a positive impact on communities
•  Learn from socially responsible businesses
•  Hear from youth leaders who have successfully developed innovative community action projects
•  Work with a mentor to further develop an action plan for their community action project

•  All youth (ages 17 - 21), who have worked in a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop (in the U.S. and Canada) for a minimum of 6 months and are currently working in a scoop shop are eligible to submit an application for participation.
•  Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service / social justice and develop a proposal for a community project that brings to life Ben & Jerry’s core values.
•  Applicants must be sponsored by a franchisee.
•  All participants and their guardians must sign permission forms, waivers, and contract for participation.

Applicants will be asked to develop a plan for a youth led community project that brings to life Ben & Jerry’s progressive values and makes a positive impact on their community.

For information about applying to Scoopers Making Change, please contact your local Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop operator or email us.