#United States #Minneapolis #Polaris Inc #Minnesota 4-H #ATV Safety

Polaris Inc. Invests in Youth Safety Programs

Polaris Inc., a prominent name in the powersports industry, has recently made a significant commitment to youth safety by donating $1 million to the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development program. This initiative aims to bolster all-terrain (ATV) and utility vehicle (UTV) safety education for young people. With a long-standing partnership since 2019, Polaris has actively contributed to training approximately 4,000 youth on safe riding practices through immersive educational modules.

The Goals of the Donation

The generous donation is set to achieve several key objectives. One of the primary goals is to expand existing programming at Minnesota 4-H, thereby enabling year-round safety training. This will not only increase capacity but also enhance the reach of these educational efforts. Additionally, Polaris aims to train new adult volunteers who will play an essential role in disseminating safety information to a wider audience of youth.

Furthermore, the project includes launching pilot safety programs in Utah and Wisconsin, developed in collaboration with the leaders of Minnesota 4-H. By establishing a robust program that incorporates high-impact safety curriculums, Polaris and Minnesota 4-H aspire to develop a nationwide online youth ATV and UTV safety course. This course will provide essential safety training to young riders who wish to engage in off-road recreation responsibly.

The Impact on Community Engagement

Jennifer Skuza, associate dean of the University of Minnesota Extension and director of Minnesota 4-H, shared insights about the magnitude of this initiative. She expressed that the generous backing from Polaris will significantly scale up safety education efforts, thus enhancing access to the increasingly popular 4-H Outdoor Education programming. The expectation is to see a three to four-fold increase in youth involvement not only across Minnesota but also in pilot programs set for Utah and Wisconsin.

The Minnesota 4-H ATV and UTV Safety Program offers participants the opportunity to become certified under the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is crucial for safe riding on public trails. Volunteers trained with the DNR and 4-H curriculum will provide guidance on responsible off-road vehicle usage, risk awareness, and the importance of land stewardship.

Beyond Training: Community Involvement

The partnership between Polaris and Minnesota 4-H extends beyond educational training. Since its inception, this collaborative effort has improved community engagement through participation at county and state fairs, successfully reaching over 800,000 youth. This outreach is vital in promoting safe riding habits within the community, and highlights Polaris’ commitment to fostering a culture of responsible outdoor activity.

Pam Kermisch, Polaris' Chief Customer and Growth Officer, emphasized the shared commitment between Polaris and 4-H towards integrating safe outdoor experiences with responsible riding practices. The partnership's future efforts aim to further expand into new states and also develop an accessible online safety course for youth.

Expanding Horizons

The expansion of the Minnesota program into Utah and Wisconsin is particularly noteworthy, as these pilot initiatives will rely on the successful frameworks established in Minnesota. According to Dave Francis, the Extension Youth Programs Director in Utah, this sharing of resources will empower the youth to lead community awareness on safe riding practices both in agricultural settings and recreational trails.

Polaris has built a reputation for prioritizing rider safety, offering an extensive line of youth vehicles, and is dedicated to educating the younger generation on responsible riding habits. As they look towards the future, Polaris invites youth to discover the joys of outdoor adventures in a safe manner. To learn more about safety initiatives, visit Polaris.com.

Conclusion

Polaris Inc.’s investment of $1 million into the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development program is a significant step forward in enhancing ATV and UTV safety education. By expanding training resources and reaching more youth across several states, Polaris is fostering a new generation of informed and responsible riders, ensuring that safety remains a central pillar of outdoor recreation for years to come.