RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 4, 2025) — The YMCA of Rapid City has received a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support local youth education and career readiness programs across the Black Hills.
The funding will expand the YMCA’s ability to provide teens with essential resources to build leadership skills, prepare for the workforce, and connect with local professionals for mentorship and career guidance.
“This grant allows the YMCA to teach future teen leaders valuable life skills, including building healthy work habits and preparing for the workforce,” said Keiz Larson, CEO of the YMCA of Rapid City. “We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and Taco Bell Area 13 for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.”
The YMCA’s teen programs help students develop critical competencies such as time management, communication, teamwork, and responsibility — tools the organization says are vital for long-term success in any profession.
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record $28 million in Community Grants to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide in 2025. The YMCA of Rapid City was nominated by Pam Hare, a local Taco Bell Region Coach, in recognition of the Y’s positive impact on youth development in western South Dakota.
“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change.”
Funds from the grant will also help expand access to YMCA programs through teen scholarships, ensuring more youth in Rapid City and surrounding Black Hills communities can participate regardless of financial barriers.
