We are thrilled to announce that Youth Enrichment Services recently received a $10,000 grant from The ALKU Foundation as part of their Catalyst Grant Program.
Funds from ALKU’s Catalyst Grant Program will help expand a very special program at YES for Boston youth called “Diversity in the Outdoors”. YES’s Diversity in the Outdoors series was developed in consultation with Boston Public Schools’ Acting Manager Director of Retention, Cultivation, and Diversity Programs, Rashaun Martin. Rashaun is also a member of the Board of Directors and a YES parent.
The grant award will help grow the Diversity in the Outdoors initiative and provide 85 Boston youth with two days of uplifting, celebratory, and safe outdoor experiences. The first trip will be skiing and snowboarding; the second trip will be kayaking, rock climbing, or hiking. The goal of the series is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor activities through togetherness and enhanced representation of youth of color in New England’s outdoor recreation spaces.
The series prioritizes serving Boston youth of color in 3rd Grade to 8th Grade, particularly those who are low-to-moderate income and those living in the Boston neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain. However, all youth are welcome to participate in YES’s Diversity in the Outdoors sessions regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status. Each trip will be staffed with YES staff and volunteers of color. YES will provide the equipment (kayaks, skis, etc.), safety equipment, instruction and supervision, transportation, and healthy snacks all to youth participants.
At YES, we believe that all youth should have access to the outdoors regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status. This series of special outdoor activities will help further empower and encourage Boston young people to experience outdoor spaces and confidently participate in outdoor activities. Thank you to the ALKU Foundation and the review committee for their generous support!