California Natural Resources Agency announces Youth Community Access Program

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has launched the Youth Community Access Program, a competitive grant initiative designed to expand outdoor access and foster a healthier California. This program is rooted in supporting youth access to natural or cultural resources, with a specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. While the provided information does not explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a separate foundation, the CNRA's overarching mission to protect and restore California's natural resources and promote equitable access aligns directly with the program's goals. The program's aim to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs further underscores a commitment to social justice and community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youth, defined as individuals between birth and 26 years old, residing in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, as well as other underserved communities. The impact goals are multifaceted: to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort by facilitating direct access to natural or cultural resources. This includes supporting community education and recreational amenities for youth substance use prevention and early intervention, ultimately empowering youth to make healthy choices and fostering a healthier, more engaged generation. The program prioritizes projects that actively involve youth in all stages, from planning and decision-making to facilitation and evaluation. Additionally, projects that engage youth in outreach and awareness campaigns, and those that empower youth to make healthy choices, are given priority consideration. These focuses emphasize a youth-centric, participatory approach, aiming for sustainable community-led change rather than top-down interventions. The minimum award for an individual project is $25,000, and the maximum is $300,000, indicating a range of project scales supported. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes can be inferred from the program's requirements and priorities. These include increased youth participation in outdoor and cultural activities, enhanced community capacity for youth development, reduced instances of substance use through prevention and early intervention efforts, and improved overall health and well-being among young people in targeted communities. The emphasis on youth involvement in planning and evaluation suggests an ongoing feedback loop to assess program effectiveness and impact.