Youth Perspective: Watertown’s Future Leaders Identify Key Needs in New Community Assessment
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) moves into its spring grant season, the voices of the city’s youngest leaders are taking center stage. The Foundation’s Youth Council has officially released its “Youth Perspective 2025” needs assessment, a comprehensive look at what is working for Watertown’s teenagers—and where the community needs to step up.
The council, a select group of three high school seniors and three juniors, spent the 2025-2026 academic year visiting nonprofits and interviewing local leaders. Their findings serve as the roadmap for the distribution of annual Youth Council grants, which are set to be awarded this spring.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its inception in 2001, the Youth Council has awarded more than $218,000 to youth-serving organizations in the Watertown area. This year, the stakes feel higher as the council navigates a post-2025 landscape.
“Being part of the Youth Council has shown me how vital each individual can be to their community,” said Whitney Martinsen, a current senior on the council. “I’ve seen the huge impact that giving back has. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the vitality of the town we live in.”
Strengths: A Hub for Activities and Inclusion
The 2025 assessment highlighted Watertown’s robust infrastructure for youth. The report lauded “The Big Three”—the Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, the Bramble Park Zoo, and the Watertown Regional Library—as pillars of the community.
Furthermore, the council identified Inclusive Programming as a major strength, specifically citing the impact of the Special Olympics, Joy Ranch, and Community Transit in making Watertown a more accessible place for all students. Career readiness was also a high point, with Northeast Tech and Lake Area Technical College (LATC) providing vital job shadowing and vocational opportunities.
Opportunities: Mental Health and Safety Top the List
However, the “Youth Perspective” report didn’t shy away from the challenges facing local teens. The council identified several “opportunities for growth,” with Mental Health being the most critical. The report calls for increased access to counseling and more robust education regarding self-harm and suicide prevention.
Safety was another primary concern. Students noted a need for the community to address rising issues with vaping, drugs, and social media education.
“We have met some pretty incredible community members, and there are so many opportunities available for kids,” noted former council member Carter Schmidt. “But identifying the gaps—like the need for more affordable hangout spaces and better integration for our diverse cultures—is how we actually make things better.”
Shaping the 2026 Grant Cycle
The findings in this assessment aren’t just for show. The Youth Council—currently comprised of seniors Siri Bach, Leila Byer, and Whitney Martinsen, and juniors Abby Kruger, Kate McElroy, and Owen Muller—will use this data to determine which grant applications to fund this month.
By focusing on “Employment & Activities” (such as a youth-focused job board) and “Daycare” availability for younger children, the council is ensuring that their $218,000+ legacy continues to address the most modern problems facing Watertown.
How to Get Involved
The WACF Youth Council meets monthly throughout the school year. For sophomores looking to make a difference, applications to join the council for the 2026-2027 term typically open in the spring.
As the 2025 report concludes: “Voices of Watertown Youth matter. Together, we will build on our strengths and address our opportunities for the future.”
For more information on the Youth Council or to view the full assessment, visit the Watertown Area Community Foundation at 211 East Kemp Avenue or online at watertowncommunityfoundation.org.
