Build My Own FeedGROUPS WE SUPPORT: Outdoor Outreach
We take a large amount of pride in our history of outspoken advocacy for conservation and access causes (locally, regionally and globally), as well as in our efforts to support conservation, education and recreation groups that are on the front-lines of protecting and preserving the wild lands we love and depend on, and this ongoing series will serve to highlight and promote these all-important groups.
For a full list of the groups we support, click here.
Founded in 1999, Outdoor Outreach is a non-profit supporting underprivileged youth in Southern California who are at risk for school dropout, substance abuse, gang violence and unintended pregnancy. They are the only agency in the area, and one of only a few in the United States, utilizing positive outdoor physical experiences to provide kids with the support, relationships, resources and opportunities they need to become successful adults. To date, Outdoor Outreach has taken more than 5,800 youth on over 2,000 outings, including rock climbing, snowboarding, surfing, snorkeling, mountain biking and backpacking. In addition, their Leadership Program offers promising teens the opportunity to participate in an intensive year-long training program providing them with the necessary skills to instruct and mentor younger Outdoor Outreach participants.
The Outdoor Outreach model has produced amazing results: over the last 4 years, serving youth in schools with graduation rates of 45-50 percent, 100 percent of Outdoor Outreach participants have graduated, with 95 percent moving on to college or technical school. In the coming years, Outdoor Outreach will focus on expanding its model nationally beyond California. Black Diamond proudly supports the Outdoor Outreach climbing school. The climbing school is a critical component to the program model, each year serving over 300 individual youth on over 40 climbing excursions throughout California.
To learn more about Outdoor Outreach, donate or get involved, click here.
United States / English 
10 Jan 2012, 3:34PM
Great to see companies like Black Diamond giving back by supporting small, local nonprofits like Outdoor Outreach whose mission is to connect with teens that might never have the chance to experience the great outdoors. Bravo! Vonnie - San Diego, CA