HOW THE PROGRAM BEGAN
The Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation was founded in 1996 to support projects and organizations that work to improve the quality of life, environment, and education of its community members. From 2019 to 2022, they partnered with US Sailing to launch the Siebel Sailors Program, with the goal of increasing opportunity and promoting diversity in the sport of sailing.
WHAT WAS THE SIEBEL SAILORS PROGRAM?
The Siebel Sailors Program was an endeavor by US Sailing to get more youth into sailing across the country. The program thrived for three years (2019-2022) and served over 700+ youth annually from all over the country. We accomplished this by partnering with community-based sailing organizations across the United States that share our goal of getting underrepresented youth into the sport of sailing.
In order to break down barriers to accessing sailing, the Siebel Program provided Siebel Centers and its sailors with everything they need to get out on the water. After the three year grant as a Siebel Center, all the equipment remains at the sailing center so sailors can continue developing and achieving!
The Siebel Sailors Program was a unique and holistic experience for sailing centers, parents, and youth alike. Our program intentionally combined a welcoming environment, emotional development practices, adaptable skill progression, and the highest standard of safety! Informed by the latest research in positive youth development and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s American Development Model, the Siebel Sailors Program helped youth set up a growth mindset for lifelong play and problem-solving beyond sports.
The Siebel Sailors Program gave youth from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn to sail and to become lifelong members of the sailing community. Our methods attracted new and diverse youth to the sport AND retained them from one youth program to the next. The Siebel Sailors Program stressed the value of positive coaching and openly celebrated the diversity of people who can participate in sailing.
Although there is no longer a Siebel Sailors Program, US Sailing is dedicated to providing educational resources and creating youth initiatives that combine lessons learned and sustainable best practices from this program into our current Small Boat Program offerings.
