November 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 59

The Results
PP&R started the GRUNT and Jr.
GRUNT programs with the goal of
connecting at-risk youth to nature
and teaching them about careers in
parks and recreation. What it found,
however, was that the benefits far exceeded the expectations.
PP&R has done a good job of attracting at-risk youth. Of the nearly
200 students who have participated in the programs, 69 percent are
people of color, 56 percent speak
English as a second language, and
82 percent participate in the free
and reduced-price lunch program at
their school.

Portland Parks and Recreation

Abbaté emphasizes the important
role each of these programs plays in
meeting PP&R's goals. " If we only
had one of these programs, I think
we'd miss the opportunity to make a
significant impact on kids' lives. "

Conservation lessons are best learned in the field, and the GRUNT program includes training in a wide range of natural environments.

found was an increase in every science standard category that it tested.
While these are all amazing results, for Abbaté, the greatest ben-

" Because of this work, I discovered that I really want
to be outside working with nature. I feel better
[working outdoors], I can say way better, than
working inside or doing an easy job. " -Jaime, GRUNT '10
In addition, the agency has succeeded in teaching these students
about park and recreation careers
and creating an employment pipeline. More than half of the participants in the 8th-grade program went
on to do the 9th-grade component.
In addition, 41 graduates of the
GRUNT or Jr. GRUNT program are
currently employed in paid natural
resources jobs with PP&R.
These programs, however, are not
just helping PP&R. The students are
also benefiting. PP&R tested the Jr.
GRUNTs on a number of science
standards before and after their participation in the program. What it

efit lies elsewhere. " One of the
coolest things is that these kids go
in with no personal knowledge of
the environment. When they go
through the program, they bond
with each other and they absolutely get enthused about the natural
world. Once they get engaged, they
come back. "
The Partners
Abbaté acknowledges that the
GRUNT programs would not be a
success without the community partnerships that make them happen.
In addition to the schools and community organizations that help get

the word out, PP&R staff and key
funders are vitally important.
According to Abbaté, although
the programs are free for the students, it costs about $100,000 a
year to support them. Those costs
include staff time, transportation,
equipment and materials. For now,
these programs are funded through
grants, the largest of which comes
from the East Multnomah Soil and
Water Conservation District.
The Future
Currently, the GRUNT programs in
Portland reach about 40 students a
year. But Abbaté sees this as just the
beginning. " I think we should be able
to double or triple the programs, " he
says. " They are super, super effective
in getting kids captivated and motivated. Plus, they are vital in helping
us find the next generation of park
and recreation professionals. "
For more information on the
GRUNT programs, visit www.portland
oregon.gov/parks/article/278719.
Peter Magnuson is NRPA's Director of
Marketing (pmagnuson@nrpa.org).

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November 2013 - Parks & Recreation

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