[Eustis, FL] - The Reptile Youth Alliance, a leading organization dedicated to promoting environmental conservation and youth development, is proud to announce that it has become a funded community partner with the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, UWLS.

The grant, provided by UWLS, will allow the Reptile Youth Alliance to expand its educational programming and community outreach efforts, promoting environmental awareness and youth development in STEM (Science, Technology, Education, and Math) education. STEM education helps develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills that are useful in all areas of life, providing a solid foundation for further studies in fields such as medicine, law, and business and equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.

"We are thrilled to have the support of the United Way and to become a funded community partner," said Savannah of the Reptile Youth Alliance. "This grant will allow us to extend our reach and continue our efforts to educate and engage our community on the gravity of environmental and reptile conservation. We realize the importance of having our community participate in our mission and we want to inspire our youth to be an active part of their community as well."

Family dynamics, including poverty, domestic violence, or lack of support from parents or caregivers, can contribute to low self-esteem and confidence in children. In a study conducted by the Reptile Youth Alliance, 86% of reptile enthusiasts faced profound challenges and adversity as children and/or teenagers. Among the most common circumstances were economic hardship, learning or developmental disabilities, stress and dysfunction within the home such as abuse or neglect, bullying/harassment, and social isolation or a lack of supportive relationships. The study suggests a possible correlation between socioeconomic factors/other negative experiences and the kids that take interest in reptiles. This may be because reptiles also face difficult challenges due to social barriers, resulting in less public support for research and funding. 79% of those surveyed said that an interest in reptiles improved their ability to navigate their adverse situation. Giving youth the opportunity to have a positive impact on their community and to bring attention to issues that matter to them, can boost their confidence and help to improve their academic performance. Thus, the Reptile Youth Alliance aims to promote social cohesion and foster a sense of community and belonging.

Through community outreach, educational programming, and wildlife conservation efforts, the organization is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the communities it serves. For more information about the Reptile Youth Alliance and its initiatives, visit www.ReptileYouthAlliance.com​