Colorado expands youth outdoor opportunities
![Kindergarten kids friends arm around sitting smiling (Photo: iStock - Rawpixel)](https://hpj.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/iStock-685864090.jpg)
Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently announced an additional $200,000 in annual awards for groups providing outdoor recreation and conservation opportunities for youth through the Outdoor Equity Grant Program.
In December 2023, CPW’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program announced $2.2 million in grant awards to 35 organizations across the state. Since 2021, the OEGP has invested more than $5.5 million in environmental learning opportunities, outdoor education, exposure to career pathways, public health and outdoor fun for underserved youth and families through funding from the Colorado Lottery.
However, grant applications have well exceeded available funds for this program. In recognition of this, CPW’s executive management team is committing an additional $200,000 each year from CPW cash funds to fund requests for support.