A program devoted to empowering Native American youth has been awarded a grant from The Hearst Foundation in New Mexico.
Albuquerque’s KOAT reported that Hearst donated $75,000 towards Project Venture, which is part of the organization named the National Indian Youth Leadership Project.
Project Venture encourages indigenous youth to tap into their full potential through outdoor adventures and service, according to the ABC affiliate.
The children explore the woods without any of their electronic devices.
Program founder McClellan Hall explained that native children face substance abuse and soaring suicide rates in their communities.
"We use the outdoor adventure as a metaphor to overcoming challenges," Hall told the station. "We're really all about reconnecting kids to the natural world and getting out there and leaving their electronics behind, connecting with the sort of magical energy that is out there in the woods."
Aside from teaching youth how to successfully navigate adversity, Project Venture also fosters cultural pride in its members.
Alfred Kahn is one of Project Venture’s success stories.
Kahn recalled growing up in Gallup with the same myriad of challenges indigenous children experience today, saying Project Venture helped him.
"In the beginning it was fun, but then over time, I really understood how important it was to really have a mentor and someone who can guide you through some of the challenges we face when going through middle school," the architect and Project Venture board president told KOAT.
To learn more about the program, visit projectventure.org.