YouthLink and Groupon Grassroots, the philanthropic arm of Groupon, are announcing an upcoming campaign to benefit young people experiencing homelessness.  The campaign will run online http://www.groupon.com/deals/grs-youthlink-mn from August 20^th to 26^th in the Minneapolis and St. Paul Groupon markets.  100% of the campaign’s proceeds will be used to help young people accessing the Youth Opportunity Center at YouthLink obtain a GED by covering the cost of testing fees.

Groupon subscribers can pledge support for the initiative in increments of $10, with each $125 providing funds for one full set of GED tests.  The campaign, which the public can donate to directly online, was formed as a way to raise funds and encourage education.

“These donations directly impact young people in our community,” said Dr. Heather Huseby, Executive Director of YouthLink.  “Each person that donates is helping a young person experiencing homelessness to build a foundation of independence and giving them an opportunity at a more secure future.”

Jewel, a YouthLink client, recently received her GED with help from the Youth Opportunity Center at YouthLink. “I struggled all through high school and felt like I wasn’t going to accomplish anything.  Getting my GED and being able to continue my education at cosmetology school is a blessing for me.  It feels good!”

Groupon Grassroots evolved out of Groupon as a way to discover and support local causes. Grassroots focuses its power to do good and keep money within the local communities.  Every dollar donated goes directly to YouthLink to aid neighborhood advancement.