OPT In

Click the button below for all of the information about the current application cycle, including the application form.

Current Cycle Info

What is OPT In?

OPT In stands for the On-Purpose Teen Initiative. We are a group of middle- and high-school students from TEEN DAY Ithaca, a local homeschool enrichment program (teendayithaca.org). OPT In is run by teens, for teens.

We will be running a 6-week program supporting youth ages 12 to 18 in Tompkins and adjoining counties to pursue self-directed projects in areas of interest. We are offering microgrants up to $100 to support projects, and we will also be holding weekly meetings during this time to discuss progress and share resources to support one another.

Why should you OPT In?

Do you want to…

  • Build community?
  • Learn a skill?
  • Fund a project you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise?
  • Start a project you’ve always wanted to do?
  • Keep yourself accountable to a current project?
  • Try something new?
  • Grow your resume?
  • Support other teens?
  • Get involved in leading the next cycle?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should join us! Through OPT In, you can accomplish all these things and more, and build lasting connections on the way. We would love to have you!

Our Mission:

To support teens financially and socially to explore their interests, pursue inspiration, and build skills.

Who is eligible to apply for OPT In?

You must be:

  • A teen aged 12-18
  • Living in Tompkins County or an adjoining New York county (Cortland, Chemung, Seneca, Schuyler, Tioga)

OPT In is run through a homeschool enrichment program, but you do not need to be homeschooled to apply. We will not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.

What types of projects can be done?

Projects should:

  • Be able to be completed (or at least significantly developed) over 6 weeks
  • Be of personal interest to you
  • Involve some personal effort, initiative, or skillbuilding
  • Be able to be supported by OPT In in some way (whether financially, through peer support, or merely through accountability)

Our guidelines are intentionally fairly open—we want you to use this opportunity in a way that works for you.

Examples of some projects that could be funded:

  • Learning to quilt, or to sew your own clothes (purchasing supplies)
  • Writing and self-publishing a short book
  • Learning to build a simple website
  • Creating a podcast or YouTube series
  • Building something, like furniture or a small structure
  • Organizing a workshop, event, or initiative
  • Learning to cook 6 meals well (purchasing ingredients)
  • Learning basic car or bike maintenance
  • Recording music (renting/purchasing materials), or learning about music production
  • Trying out an art skill (e.g. ceramics)
  • Training your horse, with a specific goal in mind
  • Doing a research project
  • Making a short film

How much money can you apply for?

For this cycle, we are accepting applications for grants up to $100. You are welcome to apply for less than this amount, however, and can even apply without requesting funding. You will have to make a simple project budget in the application, so we encourage you to apply for only the amount you will actually use. Please do keep in mind that we have limited funding, so may not be able to fund every project. We may also award partial funding, though we will strive to support as many projects as possible.

How is funding distributed?

We are using a reimbursement system, meaning that we will disperse all funds at the end of the program. As such, you will need to provide proof of payment for all expenditures (a physical or digital receipt, unless you discuss an alternative means with us). We will then provide a check for all expenditures up to your awarded amount.

If you do not provide proof of payment, we will not be able to reimburse you.

Any additional questions? Contact us!

OPT In email: OPT-In@teendayithaca.org

THANK YOU to our sponsors!

OPT In has been made possible by the generous support of the United Way of Tompkins County, the Sustainable Finger Lakes Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program, and GripTape. We truly appreciate these organizations’ sponsorship, and applaud all of the vital work that they do in our community.