News
State’s Outdoor Equity Fund will get more than 17,000 youth outside
A $2.2 million investment through the state’s Outdoor Equity Fund will connect more than 17,000 youth to 54 outdoor programs that support health and wellness, environmental education and workforce readiness.
This round of awards reflects the diverse opportunities the Outdoor Equity Fund creates for young people, including fly-fishing experiences, guide training for Indigenous and rural youth, adaptive outdoor recreation program for children with disabilities, paid conservation internships, bicycle mechanic programs in underserved communities, and much more.
“Investing in outdoor opportunities for young people is an investment in both healthy communities and New Mexico’s economy,” said Economic Development New Mexico Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “This fund helps young people build skills and experience while preparing a local workforce to meet the needs of our state’s $3.6 billion outdoor recreation industry.”
The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division awarded programs spanning 20 New Mexico counties, with more than half serving rural and Tribal communities.