California Natural Resources Agency Awards $38.2 Million to Provide Youth Access to Natural & Cultural Resources

October 8

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) announced today it has awarded $38.2 million in funding to 108 programs across the state through the Youth Community Access Program, which provides children with critically important access to natural and cultural resources. These grant awards will help support youth from low-income and underserved communities, particularly those communities disproportionately impacted by past federal and state drug policies.

Awarded projects will provide access to national, state, and local parks, and provide outdoor educational programming in environmental and conservation science. They will also fund field trips to important and historical natural and cultural resources, implement urban agricultural and gardening programs, and provide workforce development opportunities in natural resource careers. Additional awards include small capital development projects and clean vehicle acquisitions to support youth programs.

This year's awardees include excursions around the Salton Sea paired with paid internships in natural resource work; summer camps and retreats for youth of incarcerated parents in Marin County; urban agriculture and environmental stewardship internships in San Diego that combine gardening, nutrition, and community engagement; and traditional ecological knowledge programs in Riverside County that immerse Indigenous youth in natural and cultural resources to help them reconnect with their heritage.

"These grants are such a source of hope, especially right now," said CNRA Secretary Wade Crowfoot. "They reflect California's steadfast commitment to investing in programs that ensure that all young people -- no matter their background -- have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and life-changing impact of the outdoors."

Championed by Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California created the Outdoors for All initiative to expand access to the outdoors. In partnership with a broad array of governments, community organizations and tribes, California is expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them the most, supporting programs to connect with people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians outdoors, and much more.

"When young people spend time in nature and visit California's cultural landmarks, they grow in ways that complement and expand upon what is taught in a classroom," said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. "They are encouraged to connect in different ways, free to imagine what's possible. That's why this investment matters so deeply California is putting real resources behind the belief that every child, no matter where they live, should have the chance to explore our parks, museums, and open spaces. These grants through the Youth Community Access Program will bring that experience to thousands of kids who've been left out for too long."

The Youth Community Access grant program is funded by the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account under the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64), passed by California voters in 2016.

A full list of the awarded projects can be found here: Round 3 Awards.

For information regarding the previous 133 awarded projects, please follow these links: Round 1 Awards and Round 2 Awards.