Outdoor adventure is the best way to prepare young leaders to meet the environmental challenges of the future.
Children who learn to love the outdoors become adults who take action to protect the environment.
However, not every young person gets the same opportunities to explore the outdoors or to learn from working scientists or environmental leaders who look like them.
Since 2014, YELP has advanced equity in the environmental field and developed youths’ connection to our ecological community.
The only program of its kind in the Asheville area, YELP helps young people develop life and job skills, as well as specialized knowledge about the environment and practical advocacy and conservation experience. YELP prepares young adults to be professional environmental guardians as well as stewards of the natural resources and natural environment in their lives.
Our YELP program is a meeting place for environmental superheroes. Inside, young and seasoned BIPOC environmental leaders inspire each other and share their wisdom.
"I learned that I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. I loved seeing everyone's passion. Everyone we've worked with who are leaders and entrepreneurs are making real change, and it's inspiring. Tamarya Simms, for example, a black farmer that we met, sparked joy in me just from how dedicated they were in their endeavors."
—Jessica
"Giving back to the environment matters because humans have damaged the Earth through pollution and someone has to do something about it! I learned that it's very important to work with the local community and give back. It's so refreshing to be around like-minded people who are passionate about making positive change."
—Anna
"I liked that the program was specifically designed to bring young BIPOC into the environment, which is really important. I am a person of color, and I don’t see a lot of people who look like me doing environmental education.
Access to green space is a huge part of that. I had a garden in my backyard and I grew up camping with my family, but I’m mindful that not everyone has had the same experiences. Our connection to nature is very rooted to who we are as humans, and I’m honored to be able to facilitate this opportunity for BIPOC to be outdoors and be in these beautiful green spaces."
—Michael, YELP Assistant
Our YELP graduates have used what they’ve learned; the skills they’ve developed; the perspective they’ve gained; the contacts they’ve made; and the confidence they’ve earned to transform their communities in ways we couldn’t have possibly imagined.
Our YELP graduates have gone on to found environmental projects and programs in their schools, churches, and workplaces; enroll in environmental studies classes or advanced degrees; enter careers in environmental advocacy or education; or start environmental nonprofit organizations of their own. We’re so proud that YELP has the power to inspire young people to not just appreciate nature, but to take leadership in building the future environment they want to live in.
Your gift allows us to make this unique youth leadership experience as dynamic and robust as possible.
You support projects that expose our young leaders to professional environmental careers, including scientific data collection, insect, land, and wildlife conservation, historical preservation, and anthropological investigation.
You allow us to take our students on fun-focused outdoor experiences, kayaking the French Broad River, hiking Purchase Knob, and camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
You enable us to reach further afield to find opportunities for young people to connect with nature and engage with local community leaders.
Donate Now
Your gift today makes it possible for us to inspire more young environmental leaders.
Other Ways to Give
Support a Project
We know there are dozens of BIPOC environmental leaders and experts doing amazing things in the community. Know of an organization we should know about?
Sponsor YELP
Reach out to discuss how your organization or employee volunteers could support BIPOC youth interested in environmental careers.
Volunteer Your Time
Are you a BIPOC community leader with something you want to share with young leaders? We’d love to hear from you!