Inslee announces nearly $1 million in grants to connect Washington youth to nature

How have The Mountaineers thrived for over 100 years? By continually investing in the next generation of explorers, outdoor-lovers, and conservationists. The Mountaineers’ commitment to youth recently scored a major victory when Governor Inslee announced nearly $1 million in grants to give kids access to the outdoors. The grants come courtesy of Senate Bill 5843.

The Mountaineers supported this legislation by teaming up with other outdoor organizations as part of the No Child Left Behind Alliance to testify in Olympia and draft a support letter. The grants will empower public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, formal school programs, informal after school programs and community-based programs to expose nearly 8,000 kids to the outdoors.

Said Inslee, “These grants create opportunities for kids who don’t get to visit parks and other natural places. When children connect with nature, it improves their health and their grades. It also can help them appreciate their communities and instills in them the importance of our state’s natural resources. Investing in these programs helps all Washingtonians.”

Big picture, the grants bolster our hopes and dreams for the youth of Washington state. 

Josh Gannis, our Youth Education Manager, served on the No Child Left Inside advisory committee to make recommendations on over 120 grant applications, helping insure the most worthwhile projects with the highest needs were funded.