CatRock students are provided with learning and growth opportunities that help them acquire life-long skills and empower them to become socially responsible change makers. The COVID-19 pandemic inspired the CatRock teens to make environmentally friendly masks for their families and friends after seeing so many disposable masks littering the streets and parks of the Bronx.

The CatRock Mask Project evolved into a cottage industry. By November, the students had made 300 masks for CatRock family and friends. Then the NYC Inspiring Outdoors Connections (NYC ICO) ordered 150 masks for students involved in their programs. Now the CatRock students have orders to fill.

The CatRock Mask Project has inspired the launch of the CatRock Adventure Store where the public can buy CatRock branded masks, shirts, hats, and hoodies designed and created by the students. All proceeds will support the nonprofit’s mission. This unparalleled mask project – fueled by the students’ desire to help their community – reinforces so many lessons that CatRock aims to share.