I recently participated in the ropes course on San Bruno Mountain. This was a full day of challenge for the entire faculty of the East Palo Alto High School Academy – 30 teachers.

PVF was the first funder of the ropes course, which is run by the Outdoor Education Program at the Jefferson High School District in Daly City. This program is run by and for youth who have failed in other high schools and who are enticed back to school by the Outdoor Education Program.

The course is used in training every recruit to the San Francisco Police Department. Thousands of youth have been through the course. The exhilaration of participating in high-risk activities (no injuries have ever happened) is unique in attracting, motivating, and rewarding high school youth.