ARC Community Leadership

Partners: Adventure Risk Challenge, Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, University of California Natural Reserve Systems

Funds Granted: $20,000

How do you develop young leaders in your community? Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) has it figured out. Their Community Leadership Program transforms the lives of disadvantaged youth from Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District by providing an inclusive and accepting community, a structured leadership progression, deep exposure to nature, and a mentoring relationship with caring, ARC educators.

The two year program inspires confidence in participants through 60 hours of in-school leadership workshops, eight outdoor weekend adventures, and a 34-day summer course spent recreating in the Tahoe Basin. During this immersive summer course, participants learn Leave No Trace Principles, get an introduction to Sierra flora and fauna, but most importantly, gain a deep appreciation of wild places.

Since 2005, ARC program graduates have a 99% on-time high school graduation rate and an 81% enrollment rate at a 2- or 4- year university. The Tahoe Fund is proud to support Adventure Risk Challenge as they empower underserved youth through literacy and wilderness experience.