Empowering Native Youth Through Culture, Leadership, and Adventure
For nearly 40 years, NIYLP DBA Project Venture has partnered with Native and Indigenous communities to empower youth through culturally grounded experiential education, leadership development, and outdoor adventure.
Through schools, community programs, and Tribal partnerships, Project Venture's mission is to support Native and Indigenous youth to develop healthy lifestyles and positive relationships with the natural world, to achieve their full potential, and to become leaders in their communities.
About Project Venture
Project Venture is an Indigenous-led youth development program serving Native and Indigenous youth primarily in middle and high school across New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota.
Founded in 1988, Project Venture uses adventure-based experiential education and culturally grounded programming to help youth discover their strengths, build resilience, and grow as leaders within their communities.
Our approach is guided by six core principles:
- Strengths-Based Approach
- Experiential Education
- Engagement with Nature
- Service Ethic
- Culture & Tradition
- Connection Building
Since inception, Project Venture has served more than 30,000 youth through partnerships with Tribal communities, schools, and organizations across multiple states.
Why This Work Matters
Native and Indigenous youth continue to face barriers to culturally responsive youth programming, leadership opportunities, and safe spaces that reflect their identities, strengths, and lived experiences.
Too often, systems focus on deficits rather than strengths.
Project Venture was created to change that narrative by centering culture, relationships, experiential learning, and youth voice as pathways to leadership, wellbeing, and community connection.
Every young person deserves opportunities to feel seen, supported, connected, and empowered to shape their future.
What We Do
Project Venture combines adventure-based learning, leadership development, cultural connection, and community engagement to create meaningful youth experiences that build confidence and resilience.
Programs may include:
- Outdoor and adventure-based activities
- Leadership and teamwork development
- Cultural learning and reflection
- Community service projects
- Peer connection and relationship building
- Wellness and prevention-focused education
- Experiential learning opportunities
Programs are flexible and community-driven, allowing partners to adapt activities to local culture, traditions, and youth needs.
VIDEO: Experience The Impact Of Project Venture