Jackson – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks announces the Youth Participation Initiative (YPI) are accepting applications.

The YPI was established to provide funding for the purpose of educating youth in the areas of hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, and natural resource conservation.

During 2014-2015, the YPI provided a total of $147,274.00 to help fund 21 projects across Mississippi.

State agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.

Interested applicants are urged to consider projects that focus on recruitment, retention, and/or education of youth in the fields of hunting, fishing, or conservation.

Projects that consider increasing opportunity in the areas of hunting, fishing, or conservation or educate youth in any area of safety relating to hunting, fishing, or conservation are also encouraged.

Applications will be accepted until August 15.