FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Sailing Releases 2024 Reach Impact Report
Data Reveal Significant Growth in Student Retention, Participation
BRISTOL, R.I. (January 23, 2025) – US Sailing is proud to announce the release of the 2024 Reach Initiative Impact Report which reveals a growing demand for hands-on learning in the STEM fields. Since its inception in 2012, Reach, US Sailing’s innovative STEM Education Initiative, has been transforming the way young people across the country engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts. By using sailing as a dynamic educational platform, Reach inspires curiosity, promotes hands-on learning, and fosters a connection to environmental stewardship.
“Now in its 13th year, the Reach Initiative continues it strong tradition of delivering accessible, impactful education through its thoughtfully designed STEM modules and activities,” says Janel Martin, Youth Programs and Outreach Manager. “The 2024 report highlights the initiative’s growing impact and celebrates the commitment of educators, volunteers, and organizations nationwide who make authentic, hand-on learning experiences possible.”
In 2024, Reach Youth Engagement Grants played a pivotal role in supporting emerging programs that integrated STEM education into their existing activities or launched entirely new STEM-focused initiatives. These grants empowered local sailing organizations to deepen their connection to their communities by fostering meaningful partnerships and delivering innovative lessons that merge sailing with STEM concepts.
This year, US Sailing’s Reach initiative made significant strides in empowering youth through STEM-based sailing education.
- With 10 new educators and 7 new partnerships established, Reach delivered an impressive 29,308 hours of programming, reaching 2,254 students, engaging with 25 schools, and achieving a 10 percent increase in student participation from 2024.
- The program boasts a 57 percent retention rate, demonstrating its effectiveness in fostering lasting engagement.
- Nationally, 133 certified Reach educators are driving impact, with over 600 programs and schools incorporating the curriculum annually.
- In total, over 100,000 youth sailors are benefiting from the Reach curriculum each year, cementing its role as a transformative force in youth sailing education.
The report shines a spotlight on the 2024 grant recipients, ten exceptional programs that set the bar for engagement and innovation. By leveraging the Reach curriculum and online resources, these organizations enriched their offerings with hands-on lessons that brought STEM principles to life. To prepare for this work, their staff and volunteers completed the online Reach Educator Course, equipping them with the skills and techniques needed to deliver impactful programming to youth in their communities.
The generous support from partners including Yeti , Rolex, SouthCoast Wind , Armstrong Foils, FD Yachts, and Navico Group. help bring the Reach programs to life.
Click here to explore the 2024 Reach Impact Report.
About US Sailing’s Reach Program and Initiatives:
The mission of US Sailing’s Reach Initiative is to inspire the next generation through STEM education while fostering environmental stewardship. By creating hands-on learning experiences, Reach connects young people to new career opportunities and equips them with the skills to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
To learn more about Reach, visit usailing.org/education/youth/reach.
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is dedicated to leading, advancing, supporting, and ensuring integrity in sailing at every level. Founded in 1897, US Sailing, now serving over 35,000 members as well as over 1,500 yacht clubs and sailing centers, offers training and certifications for sailors, instructors, and race officials, oversees national championships, manages offshore ratings, conducts regional and national events, and spearheads initiatives to increase accessibility. US Sailing also leads the training and development of the US Sailing Team for the Olympic Games and high-performance international competitions, providing comprehensive financial, logistical, coaching, technical, fitness, marketing, and communications support, as well as managing the Team USA athlete selection procedures for the Olympic Games. More at www.ussailing.org.