Empowering youth through adventure.
Explore Austin is a 100% free, six-year-long program serving youth from economically disadvantaged communities. We empower youth to reach their full potential through mentoring, leadership and outdoor adventure. Get our newsletter for all things Explore Austin!
Explore
Travel across the U.S. to hike, canoe, rock climb, mountain bike and develop leadership skills!
Join a team of 15 youth Explorers and 5 adult volunteer Mentors to learn fun outdoor skills in Texas and beyond while developing as a leader and teammate. Find out how to join our community.
Our method builds 
relationships and 
leadership skills through long-term mentorship and 
team-based adventure in nature.
Get
Involved
Volunteer, donate gear, join an event committee, attend an event, fundraise for Explore Austin and more. Find opportunities.
Donate
Explore Austin is 100% philanthropically funded. Learn how you can help make our transformational programming possible.
Happening Now
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Explore Austin Mentors commit 6 years, an average of 1,300 hours per child, in the program.
Explorers begin in the sixth grade and our volunteer Mentors stay with them through high school graduation and beyond, into their adult lives.
126
Trips Taken
345,800
Mentoring Hours
266
Explorers Served Annually
100%
Explorer High School Graduation Rate
93%
Mentor Retention Rate, Year Over Year
Each child is on a team of 15 Explorers and 5 Mentors that stay with them through the entire program.