For the third year in a row, Kodiak, known for its high-protein, whole-grain breakfast and snack products, and the Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), a nonprofit organization based in Utah, are collaborating to increase access to after-school sports and healthy activities for thousands of students in Summit, Wasatch, and now Salt Lake counties.
The Youth Sports Alliance’s Get Out & Play and ACTiV8 after-school programs now include the Salt Lake City school district and will once again feature Kodiak as its title sponsor thanks to the relationship. In addition to encouraging good sportsmanship, the globally acclaimed programs seek to motivate children to lead active, healthy lives.
Kodiak will continue to play a critical role in supporting YSA’s goal by providing both financial backing and nourishing materials for its afterschool programs. This continuous assistance makes it possible for kids from all socioeconomic levels to take part. Kodiak’s 100% whole grain, high-protein products will be distributed to kids at 31 schools in the greater Park City and Salt Lake Valley region to fuel their adventures, from mountain biking to snowboarding and skate skiing.
Last year’s collaboration resulted in a 25% increase in the number of youth participating in 184 Get Out & Play or ACTiV8 afterschool programs in Summit and Wasatch Counties during the 2024–25 school year, which is a significant accomplishment for YSA. Additionally, 41% of students were given scholarships or discounts to take part in the programs; this percentage ranged between 21% and 25% of students getting aid before YSA’s collaboration with Kodiak.
“Partnering with YSA for a third year is incredibly meaningful to us. We’ve seen firsthand how these programs strengthen our communities by giving kids from all backgrounds access to sports, mentorship, and healthy habits,” stated Cory Bayers, Chief Marketing Officer at Kodiak. “Kodiak is honored to help fuel their adventures with nutrient-dense foods, and we’re excited to continue supporting YSA as they expand opportunities for even more students across Utah.”
Every year, YSA serves more than 3,500 young people with various programs that encourage them to move away from screens. To ensure that all kids may participate, the nonprofit organization manages after-school sports and healthy activity programs, supports the fundraising efforts of seven competitive winter sports teams, and distributes need-based scholarships through two endowments. This commitment to removing barriers has earned them recognition by the Aspen Institute, US Ski & Snowboard, Jaguar Land Rover, and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
“Our mission is to introduce kids to sports in a way that builds confidence and belonging while helping them learn the lifelong lessons that come from being active—perseverance, optimism, and resilience. Partnering with Kodiak allows us to reach more families and provide the support that makes winter sports accessible to every child, regardless of financial barriers,” stated Emily Fisher, Executive Director of Youth Sports Alliance.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
