FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
Parks Media Contact: Julianna De La Cruz
Email: CSP@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 548-2000
City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations
Email: Communications@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 548-3342
California Natural Resources Agency Awards $78,500 to Glendale Community Services & Parks Department for Students Training as Role Models Program
Glendale, CA – The Glendale Community Services & Parks Department, together with the Glendale Police Department, announced today that they have been awarded a $78,500 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to implement the Students Training as Role Models (STAR) Youth Camping, Field Trips, and other Nature and Cultural Activities Project (STAR Nature & Culture Project).The STAR Nature & Culture Project is an expansion of the STAR program by providing outdoor and cultural enrichment opportunities for local youth, including camping, field trips and hands on learning activities in nature and cultural settings. Grant funding for the STAR Nature & Culture Project was awarded by the California Natural Resources Agency, through the Youth Community Access (YCA) Grant Program.
The STAR Program is a free, long-term mentoring initiative for elementary and middle school students ages 9 to 14. Led by the Community Services & Parks Department in partnership with the Glendale Police Department and Glendale Unified School District , the after-school program provides academic tutoring, life skills classes, educational enrichment activities, and service opportunities within the local Glendale community.
The STAR Nature & Culture Project will run through December 2026 and include at least twelve outdoor field trips, such as a weekend camping trip at a California State Park, plus nature workshops, educational hikes, local trail cleanups, and visits to Glendale’s historic landmarks. The grant also supports enhanced staff training in ADA compliance, diversity, student support, emergency preparedness, and wellness, as well as a guest speaker series for youth on topics like mental health, academic success, and digital safety. Per program guidelines, at least 80% of youth participants will represent low-income households, underserved communities of color, or other vulnerable populations.
For more information on the STAR Program, please click here.
STAR Youth Camping, Field Trips and other Nature and Cultural Activities Project
Another community access project through the California Natural Resources Agency to improve youth access to natural and cultural resources.
GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources
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About the City of Glendale:
Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.
