Young Women Who Crush (YWWC) works to empower NYC high school girls and gender expansive youth through indoor and outdoor rock climbing adventures that build community, cultivate confidence, nurture leadership skills and foster a deep respect for the natural world. The organization’s programs are offered tuition-free to all participants! YWWC was founded in 2017 and relies on a cadre of 25+ volunteer mentors to bring its programs to life. Since its launch two years ago, YWWC has grown from serving 10 girls at one high school to serving more than 40 participants from 10 NYC public high schools. Of 33 mentees in 2022, 31 are youth of color.
Alexis Krauss
Co-Founder, Young Women Who Crush
A 2022 grant from The Cairn Project will continue to provide core support to Young Women Who Crush, and particularly will fund costs associated with out of town climbing + learning excursions, including transportation, gear, and licensed guides. These trips are often the first outdoor foray for participants beyond city parks – this year, Young Women Who Crush will organize a winter hiking and snowboarding trips within a couple hours of NYC; two outdoor climbing trips to The Gunks in the warmer weather; and a return to Rummey, New Hamphire for three days of climbing and camping,