The Youth Parkway Ambassadors (YPA) program is a 3-month program commitment in which high school students learn about the San Joaquin River and its role in our community, share memorable outdoor experiences with new friends, access and explore multiple Parkway properties, and gain experience planning events, creating outreach materials, and leading outdoor activities at free public open house events.
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In the 2025-2026 school year, the River Parkway Trust will be hosting cohorts of student participants from:
- Center for Advanced Research and Technology (C.A.R.T.) - FUSD/CUSD (Fall 2025/Spring 2026)
- Madera South High School - MUSD (Spring 2026)
The Youth Parkway Ambassadors program gives students the opportunity to develop outdoor and leadership skills at properties along the Parkway. Each cohort then develops their leadership abilities and gains real-world experience planning and leading two free public open house days at the Parkway property of their choice. At open house days, students will teach the activities and skills they’ve practiced to the community with the support of the Trust’s resources and staff.
Program Overview for Spring 2026 Cohort
10 participants per school
February to May 2025
3-4 Month program, consisting of:
- 2 hour introductory orientation and discussion an each school- Three 6-hour outdoor training days- Four 2-hour planning sessions- Two 4-hour Open House events (7-hour program days for participants)
-An Overnight (1 night, 2 day) campout at Millerton Lake
Program consists of 60 hours total; participants must commit to attending at least 3/4 of total program time
(45 hours)
Open House Events
Spring 2026 dates coming soon.
Location: TBD
At open house days, students will teach the activities and skills they’ve practiced to the community with the support of the Trust’s resources and staff.
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Funding provided by the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) for the Youth Community Access Grant Program, Parks California, and the Dyer Family Foundation
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