US Sailing Announces 2025 REACH Initiative Youth Engagement Grants
US Sailing has announced the 2025 REACH Initiative Youth Engagement Grant. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hold a current US Sailing Organizational Membership, and utilize US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 or Basic Keelboat certified instructors for all on-water activities. The Bay Area’s Treasure Island Sailing Center was among the 10 2024 grant recipients, which included sailing organizations in Hawaii, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, Florida, Virginia, Washington, and Ohio. TISC hosts a field trip for San Francisco Unified School District, bringing over 1200 public school students to the water each school year.
Criteria:
Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Hold a current US Sailing Organizational Membership
Utilize US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 or Basic Keelboat certified instructors for all on-water activities.
Timeline:
Applications Due: April 4, 2025
Notification of Award: April 30, 2025
Signed Contract Due: May 16, 2025
Grantee Report Due: October 31, 2025
Award/Grant:
$3,500 grant to use toward program materials and transportation, and to offset costs for students when implementing the REACH Initiative. At least one staff member or volunteer is highly encouraged to register for a REACH Educator Course.
More information and Applications here.
The REACH Program utilizes sailing as an educational platform, challenging youth to embrace education, establish a love of learning, and explore productive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM-based) careers. It connects educators, sailing instructors, engineers and scientists with today’s youth to provide them with a one-of-a-kind, authentic learning experience, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a cooperative work environment. This grant is an excellent way to support an existing STEM program or start a new one at your organization!
Applications are due April 4, and notifications of awardees are April 30, 2025.
This area of need was identified through the REACH mentoring sessions and educator surveys. The REACH Initiative does not make multi-year commitments, and grant support in one year does not imply continued support in future years.
Mission: US Sailing’s REACH program strives to engage youth and enhance career opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Environmental Stewardship through authentic learning experiences.
Objectives: Provide guidance, feedback and direction for organizations seeking to improve their own curricula, lesson plans and programming. Build a national curriculum that connects academics and sailing through authentic learning experiences. Inspire students to become environmental stewards and socially responsible individuals.
See Bay Area Youth Sailing Programs here.