Grand Canyon Youth

Grand Canyon Youth (GCY) offers educational outdoor expeditions that connect young people (ages 10-19) to the transformative power of the rivers & canyons of the Southwest. GCY has served almost 13,000 youth in the 26 years since its founding in 1998. Expeditions typically run from March to October, take place on 8 sections of river in Arizona & Utah, including Grand Canyon, and range from 1 to 17 days long. GCY's warehouse & offices are located in Flagstaff, AZ. During 2023, GCY facilitated 62 expeditions, serving 731 youth participants from across the country who spent 3,150 days outdoors. This represents a 14% increase in youth user days over the prior year. GCY continues to be one of the most affordable programs of its kind, charging up to 2/3

(continued from 4b) is not an abstract concept but something concrete & hands on. During 2023, youth participants & their trip coordinators engaged in over 12,700 hours of community service, were required to earn a portion of the cost of their trip, and participated in educational projects related to the cultural or natural history of the Southwest. A community service project is included on nearly every expedition. GCY is proud of and grateful for its collaborative relationships with the US Geological Survey, US Dept of the Interior (BLM), Grand Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, various Native American Tribes, various nonprofit organizations, and dozens of schools and youth groups, including 8 new in 2023.

(continued from 4a) less than other river trips. Participants typically pay only 25-40% of the actual cost of operating the programs; the rest is funded by grants, contributions & special events. Additionally in 2023, over $110,000 of direct financial aid was awarded to 320 youth participants, to help ensure cost is not a deterrent to participating. GCY strives to connect underrepresented & underserved youth to the river, including Indigenous youth, survivors of trauma, and youth who would otherwise might never have such an opportunity. The focus of GCY's programs continues to be not only the educational & community service curriculum, but valuing the teachable moments that occur along with the river, where learning