The BAY is one of the two organizations selected this semester for a $5,000 grant. The BAY is a non-profit dedicated to 'helping young people dream bigger by providing opportunities, exposure and career pipelines within skateboarding, music and digital art. We're a place to go, something to do and people who care — especially for the misfits among us.' More specifically, the BAY focuses its efforts on benefiting all ages, gender identities, and socioeconomic situations in the Lincoln community with a focus on at-risk and low-income youth, and those experiencing poverty and homelessness.
The BAY intends to use the funds to distribute 150 all-access passes to low-income and at-risk youth in the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) system. The pass provides access to their indoor skatepark, attendance to any show at their all-ages venue, and access to the digital art space, the Collective. Also, these passes will provide Lincoln youth with positive adult role models and after-school meals five days a week. For many kids, this is their only dependable dinner.
The all-access pass supports the Strive to Thrive Lincoln mission statement of bringing long-term stability and wellness to children and families in need through enrichment and educational opportunities within Lincoln/Lancaster county. In summary, the $5,000 will help tremendously in assisting with the significant costs associated with running the skatepark and its associated programming for the All-Access Pass youth.