Data Reveal Significant Growth in Participation, Partnerships, Scholarships Granted
US Sailing is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Reach Initiative Impact Report, which reveals a growing demand for hands-on learning in the STEM fields. Since its inception in 2012, Reach – US Sailing’s innovative STEM Education Initiative – has been transforming the way young people across the country engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts. By using sailing as a dynamic educational platform, Reach inspires curiosity, promotes hands-on learning, and fosters a connection to environmental stewardship.
“For over a decade, the Reach Initiative continues to deliver accessible, impactful, and sustainable education through its thoughtfully designed STEM modules and activities,” said Janel Martin, Youth Programs and Outreach Manager. “The 2025 report highlights the tremendous impact and commitment of educators, volunteers, and organizations nationwide who make authentic, hand-on learning experiences possible.”
In 2025, US Sailing’s Reach Youth Engagement Grants played a pivotal role in supporting emerging and established programs that integrate STEM education into their existing courses or launched entirely new STEM-focused engagements. These grants empowered local sailing organizations to deepen their connection to their communities by fostering meaningful partnerships and delivering innovative lessons that merge sailing with STEM concepts.
This year, US Sailing’s Reach initiative made significant strides in empowering youth through STEM-based sailing education.
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- With 10 new educators and 17 new partnerships established, Reach delivered an impressive 16,824 hours of programming, reaching 2,741 students, engaging with 24 schools, and achieving a 22 percent increase in student participation from 2024.
- Grantees used over 55% of the funding they received to provide scholarships for students to attend their STEM programs, meaning these grants have a direct impact on the country’s youth.
- The program boasts a 43% retention rate, demonstrating its effectiveness in fostering lasting engagement.
- Nationally, 153 certified Reach educators are driving impact, with over 600 programs and schools incorporating the curriculum annually.
- In total, over 115,000 youth benefit from the Reach curriculum each year, cementing its role as a transformative force in youth sailing education.
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The report shines a spotlight on the 2025 grant recipients, ten exceptional programs that set the bar for engagement and innovation. By leveraging the Reach curriculum and online resources, these organizations enriched their offerings with hands-on lessons that brought STEM principles to life. To prepare for this work, their staff and volunteers completed the online Reach Educator Course, equipping them with the skills and techniques needed to deliver impactful programming to youth in their communities.
The generous support from partners and donations, including Yeti , Rolex, Harken Blockheads, New England Ropes, BankNewport, and FD Yachts, help bring the Reach programs to life.
Click here to explore the 2025 Reach Impact Report.
About US Sailing’s Reach Program and Initiatives:
The mission of US Sailing’s Reach Initiative is to inspire the next generation through STEM education while fostering environmental stewardship. By creating hands-on learning experiences, Reach connects young people to new career opportunities and equips them with the skills to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
To learn more about Reach, visit usailing.org/education/youth/reach.
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is dedicated to leading, advancing, supporting, and ensuring integrity in sailing at every level. Founded in 1897, US Sailing, now serving over 35,000 members as well as over 1,500 yacht clubs and sailing centers, offers training and certifications for sailors, instructors, and race officials, oversees national championships, manages offshore ratings, conducts regional and national events, and spearheads initiatives to increase accessibility. US Sailing also leads the training and development of the US Sailing Team for the Olympic Games and high-performance international competitions, providing comprehensive financial, logistical, coaching, technical, fitness, marketing, and communications support, as well as managing the Team USA athlete selection procedures for the Olympic Games. More at www.ussailing.org.