10/7/2025 - Saint Helena, CA - Napa Valley Vintners announces its investment of $1.2 million to support afterschool programs across Napa County that help thousands of students access safe, supportive spaces beyond the school day. More than 8,500 students are expected to benefit in the current school year.
Jeniffer Menendez, a local mother and former coach with Girls on the Run, shared how her experience with the Girls on the Run afterschool program helped her family, "My kids came home happier, more curious and proud of what they accomplished.”
This latest investment is part of NVV's broader Youth Wellness Initiative. The initiative aims to empower young people to live healthy, balanced lives by meeting them where they are – at school, at home and in the community. This follows NVV's announcement in August about providing $2 million in funding for programs on school campuses.
Grant Recipients Include
Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley was awarded $660,000, bringing lifetime total funding from NVV to $8.8 million since 1999, celebrating 26 years of working together.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley operates afterschool programs in the city of Napa and in American Canyon at 10 school campuses, two clubhouses and a teen center serving 5,000 students each year with academic support, physical activities, STEM learning and social-emotional curriculum among other services.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Saint Helena & Calistoga received a $271,000 grant, with a lifetime total of $5.9 million from NVV since 1999, marking 26 years of collaborating.
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga provide after-school care at six Up Valley locations, supporting 1,300 students with academic help, physical activities and programs focused on healthy lifestyles, character development, belonging and purpose.
Aim High was granted $80,000, bringing the lifetime total given by NVV to $785,000 over 10 years, beginning in 2015.
Aim High serves 5th-8th grade students, helping close achievement gaps. The program builds academic confidence, encourages a love of learning and helps middle schoolers develop the skills they need to thrive in school and in life.
Girls on the Run received $60,000, totaling $530,000 since 2011, celebrating 14 years of changing girls lives.
Girls on the Run promotes positive mindsets, physical health and connection among girls by inspiring a sense of belonging through teamwork. Each season ends with a 5K run, giving participants a sense of accomplishment that builds long-term confidence.
Napa River Ecology Center - American Canyon was awarded $80,000 bringing the lifetime total to $130,000 since 2019, celebrating six years of working together.
The Napa River Ecology Center - American Canyon serves children and families through nature-based educational experiences, leadership programs, social connection and physical activity. Located nearby schools and youth clubs, the center's programs play an important role in helping kids get outdoors.
NVV's Legacy of Community Investment
The Youth Wellness Initiative is part of NVV’s ongoing commitment to the Napa Valley community. Since 1981, NVV has invested over $245 million in community health, youth development and environmental stewardship. Upcoming fundraising events that benefit the Youth Wellness Initiative include the Fine Wines & Experiences online auction October 10-17, 2025, The Boca Raton Artisans of Wine & Food January 15-18, 2026 and Auction Napa Valley June 5-6, 2026.
To receive news and updates, visit collectivenapavalley.org.
About Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. NVV has invested more than $245 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County. Learn more at napavintners.com.
Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, twall@napavintners.com
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