Local nonprofit Y.E.T.I. will be recognized by Highline School Board for 15 years of connecting youth to outdoors - The B-Town (Burien) Blog

The Youth Experiential Training Institute (Y. E. T. I. ) will be honored by the Highline School Board on March 19, 2025, for its long-standing dedication to providing free outdoor experiences to local students.

For over 15 years, Y. E. T. I. has collaborated with teachers, parents, and community volunteers to make outdoor adventures accessible, currently operating at nine school sites and offering more than 160 trips annually.

The organization recently sent advocates to Olympia to discuss ongoing funding with lawmakers, emphasizing the critical need for outdoor access for youth. Community support and various funding sources, including Washington’s “No Child Left Inside” grant, have fueled significant program growth, although a potential reduction in funding from $7 million to $4. 5 million looms. Executive Director David Dunphy underscored the vital role of community engagement in maintaining Y. E.

T. I. ’s programs, noting how community members rallied to replace equipment after a break-in. The upcoming recognition by the Highline School Board serves as a testament to Y. E.

T. I. ’s impact as a key community partner. The organization continues to advocate for funding to ensure that every young person can enjoy the benefits of outdoor adventure. As the community rallies behind Y.

E. T. I. , the hope is to secure the necessary resources to sustain its valuable programs.