The Board of Directors serves to direct the organization, plan for financial growth, and provide the vision necessary to develop new projects to meet community needs. Program participants and their families are expected to pay only minimal costs needed to cover project materials and retreat expenses. The Passage Foundation operates two major projects. The Rites of Passage project requires that participating youth between the ages of 12 and 17, complete 21 prearranged challenges that correspond to seven areas of personal growth, family development, and community awareness. After completion of the challenges, participants are formally recognized in a ceremony that acknowledges their contributions to themselves, their families, and their communities.
Participants meet on a regular basis.
Some months once a week, others twice a month, to be taught by the Elders, fulfill challenges, and plan for special events. Youth learn how to take care of their bodies, challenge their mental processes, develop their spirituality, acknowledge their cultural histories, and express their creativity. They also learn how to set and achieve goals in the business world, how to document their successes, interact with families and friends, and support their communities. At the end of the program, which usually last from 5 to 18 months, participants have among other things, completed a resume, a book of accomplishments, at least one public performance and attendance at two growth-orientated retreats. Project graduates assist with the passage group.