The Glendale Community Services & Parks Department, together with the Glendale Police Department, have been awarded a $78,500 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to implement the Students Training as Role Models (STAR) Youth Camping, Field Trips, and other Nature and Cultural Activities Project (STAR Nature & Culture Project).The STAR Nature & Culture Project is an expansion of the STAR program by providing outdoor and cultural enrichment opportunities for local youth, including camping, field trips and hands on learning activities in nature and cultural settings. Grant funding for the STAR Nature & Culture Project was awarded by the California Natural Resources Agency, through the Youth Community Access (YCA) Grant Program.
The STAR Program is a free, long-term mentoring initiative for elementary and middle school students ages 9 to 14. Led by the Community Services & Parks Department in partnership with the Glendale Police Department and Glendale Unified School District , the after-school program provides academic tutoring, life skills classes, educational enrichment activities, and service opportunities within the local Glendale community.
The STAR Nature & Culture Project will run through December 2026 and include at least twelve outdoor field trips, such as a weekend camping trip at a California State Park, plus nature workshops, educational hikes, local trail cleanups, and visits to Glendale’s historic landmarks. The grant also supports enhanced staff training in ADA compliance, diversity, student support, emergency preparedness, and wellness, as well as a guest speaker series for youth on topics like mental health, academic success, and digital safety. Per program guidelines, at least 80% of youth participants will represent low-income households, underserved communities of color, or other vulnerable populations.
For more information on the STAR Program, visit glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-services-parks/recreation-programs/youth-family-services.
