Empowering Urban Youth Through Outdoor Adventure
Living in the city inherently reduces youth’s opportunities to experience the great outdoors, and that’s doubly true for underprivileged youth living in New England’s major urban areas. We at Elevate New England are changing that. Through our outdoor programs for underprivileged youth, we give them an opportunity to experience — and be transformed by — a formative time outside of the city.
The Need for Access to Opportunities for Underprivileged Youth
Many underprivileged youth are facing plenty of challenges, and not enough opportunities. Parents working multiple jobs, broken homes, and sometimes family members in prison make for situations where kids simply can’t do as much as peers who live outside the city and are in higher income brackets.
Underprivileged youth strive to overcome their circumstances and achieve their goals. However, without sufficient guidance and support, they may sometimes be exposed to negative influences and challenges, including substance abuse and violence.
Exposure to nature and physical challenges helps reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of peace and well-being. Additionally, engaging in outdoor adventures promotes physical fitness, teaching youth the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It also provides a constructive outlet for energy and creativity, steering them away from negative influences. By learning new skills and overcoming obstacles in a supportive environment, youth build resilience, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment that translates into other areas of their lives.
About Elevate New England
Elevate New England was formed in 2016 with the mission of building life-changing relationships with New England’s urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their communities. At Elevate New England we strive to address the struggles faced by urban youth, by providing positive and transformative experiences in a setting that underprivileged youth usually don’t have access to — the outdoors.
Growth Through Challenge: Our Approach
Our programs for at-risk youth push participants out of their comfort zones. We put them in unfamiliar situations, and teach skills they need to succeed.
Building Confidence and Character
Although we’re outside, our aim is very much to impact youth on the inside. Overcoming challenges, working together, and experiencing new things creates confidence. Over time, that confidence becomes a strong character – a strong character that can better overcome the adversity and challenges that these youth face.
Developing Essential Skills
The skills we share can include technical knowledge, such as rock climbing as well as basic skills like tennis, biking, and swimming. Our teacher-mentors ultimately focus on developing personal character, confidence, and community that will serve youth well throughout their lives. Leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are just a sampling of what students learn.
Outdoor Adventures & Activities
Of course, there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Just a few of the activities that we offer are rock climbing, camping, canoeing/kayaking, hiking, tennis, and biking. For many, we offer the opportunity to experience these for the first time.
The Impact of Our Programs
The impact our team has extends far beyond the duration of the activities. Students return to their communities with renewed confidence, a sense of purpose, and the skills necessary to succeed.
No one gets there alone. Our teacher-mentors help students. We then send them into their communities to help other friends, classmates, and elementary students during bike giveaways at local schools. They become role models for their peers and younger students.
How You Can Support our programs
Elevate New England is sustained by the generosity of supporters who believe in the potential of our youth. By donating to our program, you help us provide these life-changing opportunities to more students.
Please consider making a financial gift, a gift-in-kind, or connecting with us for any volunteer opportunities.