Executive Summary

YES increases equitable access to the outdoors and nurtures leaders who champion the well-being of our Richmond community.

Over the past 25 years, our Leadership Pathways programs have helped more than 12,000 community members deepen their sense of belonging in nature and develop leadership skills that empower them to be change agents. The Leadership Pathway is a progressive continuum of youth and adult leadership programs engaging participants in age-based cohorts (ages 8-85+). Each age-based cohort has its own culturally relevant curriculum that provides access to the outdoors, develops communication and critical thinking, and supports participants as they apply their strengths to community-based action projects. Projects include improving outdoor access, health and wellness promotion, and climate change education.

YES believes in the power of Richmond residents to work collaboratively to address the challenges their own communities face. The majority of YES’s staff identify as people of color, and live or grew up in the City of Richmond, enhancing the level of connection and trust among youth and families.

YES’s sustained presence in Richmond has had a profound impact on many levels. In schools, 98% of YES teens graduate from high school and 85% of them enroll in college. In community leadership, 65% of YES Adult Leadership Program participants hold seats on school or civic committees. In the community, YES families engage with us for an average of seven years each, ensuring multigenerational well-being that has lasting, positive impacts.

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