More parks for kids: California invests $38 million to boost outdoor opportunities for youth as Trump limits access
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Oct 7, 2025

More parks for kids: California invests $38 million to boost outdoor opportunities for youth as Trump limits access

What you need to know: California is directing over $38 million to programs that provide youth from low-income and underserved communities new opportunities to access parks, museums, and the state's unparalleled outdoor spaces.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that California has awarded $38.2 million in funding to 108 programs across the state through the Youth Community Access Program, which provides children with critically important access to natural and cultural resources — parks, museums, and outdoor spaces. These grant awards will help support youth from low-income and underserved communities.

California's move to invest in our youth, natural and cultural resources is in stark contrast to the Trump administration's recent moves to defund public lands and Trump's ongoing government shutdown that has thrown the National Parks system into limbo.

"California's diverse natural and cultural heritage is deeply rooted in our public lands. It's a fundamental right for every Californian, no matter their zip code, to have the chance to learn and grow amidst some of the planet's most stunning natural beauty. As Trump makes it harder for everyone – especially our young people – to access the great outdoors, California won't back down from our critical investments in this space."

Governor Gavin Newsom

Awarded projects will provide access to national, state, and local parks, and provide outdoor educational programming in environmental and conservation science. They will also fund field trips to important and historical natural and cultural resources, implement urban agricultural and gardening programs, and provide workforce development opportunities in natural resource careers. Additional awards include small capital development projects and clean vehicle acquisitions to support youth programs.

While California is committed to educating the public about its natural and cultural resources, the Trump administration's government shutdown has severely impacted visitor services at National Parks. This includes limited or no access to essential resources such as visitor information, maintenance, and, in some parks, even basic services like trash collection and restroom cleaning. California's state parks continue to operate without interruption.

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In June, the Newsom administration sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior warning of public safety risks and reduced access due to major cuts proposed to staff and programs that support National Parks and other federal public lands.

"These grants are such a source of hope, especially right now," said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. "They reflect California's steadfast commitment to investing in programs that ensure that all young people — no matter their background — have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and life-changing impact of the outdoors."

Championed by Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California created the Outdoors for All initiative to expand access to the outdoors. In partnership with a broad array of governments, community organizations and tribes, California is expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them the most, supporting programs to connect with people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians outdoors, and much more.

"When young people spend time in nature and visit California's cultural landmarks, they grow in ways that complement and expand upon what is taught in a classroom. They are encouraged to connect in different ways, free to imagine what's possible. That's why this investment matters so deeply. California is putting real resources behind the belief that every child, no matter where they live, should have the chance to explore our parks, museums, and open spaces. These grants through the Youth Community Access Program will bring that experience to thousands of kids who've been left out for too long."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

The Youth Community Access grant program is funded by the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account under the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64), passed by California voters in 2016.

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