AUSTIN EXPLORE INC
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Mission Statement
The mission of Explore Austin is to empower local youth from economically disadvantaged communities to reach their full potential through mentoring, leadership and outdoor adventure.
About This Cause
Through outdoor adventure and long-term mentorship, Explore Austin supports adventurous youth from economically disadvantaged communities as they develop into confident and courageous adults. Our free, six-year program connects Explorers (grades 6 -12) with caring Mentors to cultivate authentic relationships and self-discovery through teamwork and outdoor adventure. Explore Austin facilitates trust and belonging by creating a safe space to try and do hard things. As Explorers gain technical skills through backpacking, climbing, biking, and canoeing, they develop confidence, integrity, and courage to pursue their own version of success. Youth join our program as sixth graders and become part of a team of 20 (15 Explorers and five adult, volunteer Mentors) for six years, until graduating high school. Our 100% free, year-round program features nine months of daylong Saturday Challenges and one Summer Wilderness Trip (SWT) annually. Saturday Challenges take place in local natural areas and include activities such as hiking, paddling, and rock climbing. Explorers learn more advanced skills each year. The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are a part of all activities, and one Saturday Challenge a year specifically focuses on an environmental conservation project. SWTs are the culmination of nine months of experiential education outdoors. During these week-long wilderness excursions in states such as Idaho and Arkansas, Explorers hike, backpack, paddle, bike, and climb their way through rugged terrain. Over the course of six years, each of our 280 youth spends 1,100 hours or more in nature mastering a variety of outdoor skills while learning about the natural world. Our Theory of Change posits, among other things, that Explorers will have (1) an increased connection to, knowledge of, and respect for nature; (2) confidence in performing outdoor skills and navigating the outdoors; and (3) a desire to promote the benefits of nature and time in the outdoors within their spheres of influence. Website: www.exploreaustin.org Mission Video: https://youtu.be/jFrsd2Nx1pU?si=pKIyZW41dIK9UWx0 History and Population Served: Explore Austin was founded in 2006 by three childhood friends who were inspired by their own mentors and access to opportunities that changed their lives. We are the only program in Texas and one of few programs nationally that combines long-term mentoring with outdoor adventure. Our nature-based program serves Central Texas youth from communities that historically have lacked access to green space: 100% of our youth are living at or below the poverty line, and 97% come from Black and brown communities.