Resilient Alaska Youth (RAY)

RurAL CAP’s Resilient Alaskan Youth (RAY) program addresses rural Alaska’s high rates of youth substance abuse and suicide through the cultivation of resiliency, supportive relationships, and positive cultural identity.  

In collaboration with local partners, RAY members plan and implement curriculum across communities statewide. Members are individuals over 18 who promote positive development and experiential learning in youth through afterschool activities and life-skill building. 

RAY members are recruited locally from their communities by a sponsoring community program partner like tribal or city councils, local schools, or health clinics. Successful applicants are supervised by a locally identified site supervisor and expected to work closely with community residents. Members serve terms aligned with the academic calendar year and are provided with comprehensive training and support. 

Community Program Partners

Anchorage – Campfire Alaska, Covenant House Alaska, Seeds of Change

Atmautluak – Atmautluak Traditional Council

Copper Center - Native Village of Kluti-Kaah

Cordova – Prince William Sound Science Center

Dillingham  – Curyung Tribal Council

Hooper Bay – City of Hooper Bay

Kasigluk – Kasigluk Traditional Council

Kiana – Opt-In Kiana

Kenai – Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Nanwalek – Nanwalek IRA Council

New Stuyahok – New Stuyahok Traditional Council

Nulato – Nulato Traditional Council

Sand Point – Pauloff Harbor Tribe

St. Paul – Aleut Community of St. Paul Island

Stebbins – Stebbins IRA

Tetlin  – Native Village of Tetlin


RAY members implement positive changes in their local communities and youth. Host a RAY member today.