SOS Outreach

Project Partners: SOS Outreach, Vail Resorts
Funds Granted: $70,000

SOS Outreach is a nonprofit that provides opportunities for underserved youth to experience the outdoors while participating in a mentorship program that is designed to prepare them for life’s challenges. Every winter, kids who would not normally have the opportunity to get on the mountain enjoy five ride days at Northstar or Heavenly with their mentors. Off the slopes, they engage in social service projects that help improve their local community.

Every year, more than 500 kids from North and South Lake Tahoe learn to ski and snowboard, gain new leadership skills and better understand the importance of protecting the environment through service projects. In the summer months they learn to fly fish, river raft and mountain bike. 

The effectiveness of the SOS Outreach program is clear. Over the past 10 years, SOS programs have led to more kids graduating from high school, attending college, finding careers and giving back to their communities. In fact, 96% of SOS youth plan to attend college, and 61% return to mentor peers.

The Tahoe Fund is proud to support SOS Outreach’s Mentorship program and its new Career Development program, which helps youth secure paid apprenticeship opportunities in the outdoors industry.