From wind speed to ocean ecology, your support teaches lessons for life.
This summer, ten sailing centers around the country received grants from US Sailing to implement the Reach Initiative. Your generosity and support from Rolex make these annual grants possible.
Because of you, children are learning concepts about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through the fun of sailing!
“One of my old coaches loved to say that ‘sailing is the original youth STEM class”, said Julia Soes, director at Sail Orcas, a 2024 Reach Grantee in West Sound, WA, in an interview with The Islands’ Sounder newspaper. “This grant allows us to continue building on the ‘why’ behind what sailors learn in class. Going into more depth about why a sail works and why the tide is changing or why some boats are faster than others, gives kids a body of knowledge they can build on.”
US Sailing’s Reach Initiative started more than a decade ago with the goal of using sailing to introduce young people to careers in STEM. The Reach curriculum and activities align with Common Core science and math national standards. Teachers can use Reach Modules in class, then collaborate with local sailing organizations to give students hands-on experiences that back up the lessons.
Youth Sailing Virginia (YSV) has seen great success by providing after-school enrichment classes to students at local public elementary and middle schools. One such student is Elliot, a boy who participated in several after-school classes that explored the STEM principles behind sailing. Elliot quickly gravitated toward the technical and design aspects of the sport. Inspired by the after-school courses, Elliot applied for a summer camp scholarship at YSV and attended two weeks of beginner and intermediate sailing. The sailing school has high hopes that this is just the beginning of Elliot’s lifelong passion for sailing!
“This has been an excellent opportunity for YSV to support our local public schools while introducing students to the science and sport of sailing,” said YSV Executive Director, Jacob Raymond. “The 2024 Reach Initiative Grant has been instrumental in helping YSV remove financial barriers, enabling youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to sail, while enjoying impactful educational experiences.”
Your support as a donor to US Sailing is making an impact across the country through the Reach Initiative. You are strengthening local sailing programs and inspiring kids through sailing. Thank you!
Your 2024 Reach Grantees are:
Sail Orcas (West Sound, WA); Kauai Sailing Association (Lihue, HI); Hudson River Community Sailing (New York, NY); Green Bay Sail & Paddle (Green Bay, WI); Seafarers Yacht Club (Annapolis, MD); Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation (Jamestown, RI); Seacamp (Big Pine Key, FL); Youth Sailing Virginia (Hampton, VA); Treasure Island Sailing Center (San Francisco, CA); and Cleveland Foundry (Cleveland, OH.)