The Orfalea Foundation supports Youth Development programs that contain five core elements:

• Skill building opportunities
• Connection with positive adults that is sustained over time
• A sense of belonging
• A voice in the decision making process
• A sense of usefulness and competence

Generally, the Youth Development programs we support take place outside of the normal school day and are ongoing, rather than one-time, events. 

A cornerstone of our Youth Development work is the REACH Initiative, (formerly known as Montana Yellowstone Expeditions), an experiential education program for motivated high school students from the Central Coast of California that prepares students to be leaders in their community. REACH works with students to build life skills that prepare them to fulfill their potential in education and success for the future.