By David R. Shorey, San Diego County Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies
July 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- The Institute for Public Strategies recently launched its East County Outdoor Opportunities (EcoOp) program. It is a transformative initiative to expand access to nature for low-income and disadvantaged youth in Lemon Grove, Spring Valley/La Presa, and El Cajon. With a $300,000 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, IPS will offer enriching outdoor experiences that promote health, wellness, and empowerment and support youth substance use prevention and early intervention.
The grant is part of the California Natural Resources Agency’s broader initiative to increase youth access to natural and cultural resources. The funding, totaling nearly $18 million, supports 71 Youth Community Access Program projects across the state. These projects prioritize communities disproportionately affected by past state and federal drug policies, as well as other underserved populations.
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