Project AVARY (Bay Area) was awarded $20,000 for their Outdoor Leaders Training Project (OLTP), a part of Avary’s Youth Leadership Program. Project AVARY focuses on children of incarcerated parents and builds a pool of young outdoor leaders by providing a variety of graduated training opportunities and experiences. The project culminates by connecting trained youth graduates with real employment experiences, both within the program and with partner organizations.

$25,000 towards involving low-income teens whose parents are incarcerated. The program integrates outdoor experience into youth’s life to build confidence, empathy, communicate effectively, conflict resolution, teamwork, and encourages adherence to positive social norms.

$10,000 towards helping children of incarcerated parents develop the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to enjoy and experience nature. The experience will have a positive influence on their experience in school, community and family and, ultimately, will prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system.

$45,000 grant to implement a year-round environmental stewardship program for children with incarcerated parents.

$22,000 towards the Outdoor Leaders Project, which builds confidence and competency for the outdoors and a life-affirming vision among teens facing high risks of experiencing incarceration during their lifetimes.