Explore Austin uses mentoring and outdoor adventure to empower youth from low-income communities to reach their full potential.

89%

of our youth appreciate nature

and being outdoors

82%

believe they can make a positive
impact on their community

100%

believe their Mentors believe in them

Our Method

Long-Term Mentoring

Explore Austin uses caring and committed Mentors to help Explorers will see beyond societal or cultural limitations, be exposed to different jobs and create a new vision for their own success.

Nature

Explore Austin uses nature to teach compassion, humility, and self-care which in turn helps combat depression and anxiety.

Team-Based Adventure

Explore Austin uses team-based adventure to foster relationship building and build leadership skills.

ACES Framework

Explore Austin uses a unique model called ACES which stands for Action Oriented, Courageous, Excellent Teammate, Strong Communicator to help Explorers understand the qualities needed to be a leader.

Our Promise

1,300 hours per child per mentor

Explorers begin in the sixth grade and our volunteer Mentors stay with them through high school graduation and beyond into their adult lives. Explore Austin makes a six-year commitment to each child accepted into the program.

107 340,000

280 93 %

Get Involved

Faces of Explore Austin

Find out what Explore Austin is like by reading stories of past and present Explorers and Mentors!

See All

Become a Mentor

Make a difference in the lives of Austin youth through activities such as camping, hiking, and outdoor exploration.

Learn How

Donate

Just $25 provides one full Saturday Challenge for one Explorer. Any donation makes an impact!

Pledge Now