What Syatt does

Syatt (legally Syatt Consulting) is a Cleveland, Ohio-based nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Marcia Hood and now led by an intergenerational mother-daughters leadership trio (Marcia, Erika Hood, and Ebony Hood). Its mission is to advance outdoor equity for Black and Brown communities in Northeast Ohio through experiential programming, environmental education, youth development, and consulting. The organization operates no proprietary technology platform; its core delivery mechanism is hands-on outdoor programming supported by an experiential learning framework and certification credentials.

Syatt's product portfolio spans nine branded activity programs (Syatt Skis, Swims, Dives, Bikes, Soccer, Civics, Stewards, Explores, and Travels) unified by the signature Syatt Certs credential framework, which combines nationally recognized certifications (lifeguarding, scuba, League Certified Instruction) with cultural grounding and environmental literacy. Two umbrella initiatives anchor the portfolio: the Blue Futures Aquatic Project, which consolidates all water-based programming and connects youth to Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, and the Get Black Outside (GBO) national movement co-founded by Syatt. A six-offering consulting practice (Civic Action & Community Design Labs, Engagement & Impact Design, Future-Focused Learning, Impact Strategy for Nonprofits & Social Enterprise, Partner-in-Residence, and Regional & Collaborative Leadership) extends the model to schools, nonprofits, and civic agencies. Select institutional clients and partners include Cleveland Metropolitan School District, NOAA, ODNR, Cleveland Water, the National Park Service, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Fresh Water Institute.

Syatt generates revenue from a mix of donations and memberships (Explorer at $25+, Explorer Plus at $75, Adventurer at $150/year), sliding-scale and fee-based program registrations, and fee-for-service consulting engagements. The organization has never raised venture or institutional capital beyond a $5,000 Neighborhood Connections grant in 2009 and operates with a lean team supplemented by seasonal program staff and lifeguards. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Syatt

Legal name

Syatt Consulting

Website

https://syattcle.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Syatt is a Cleveland-based nonprofit that advances outdoor equity for Black and Brown communities in Northeast Ohio through year-round outdoor programming (skiing, swimming, diving, biking), certification credentials, civic engagement, and consulting for schools, nonprofits, and civic partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Youth Development and Environmental Education

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Programs (Trips, Climbing, Rentals) (EDALAIAG), Alternative Education & Dropout Prevention / Re-Engagement Programs (EDANAJAF)

Keywords

• Outdoor youth programs
• Environmental education
• Equity consulting
• Scuba certification
• Community engagement

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Memberships: Organization relies on donations at various levels ($25 Explorer, $75 Explorer Plus, $150/year Adventurer membership) and community support to fund youth programming, certifications, and outdoor experiences.
2. Consulting Services: Fee-for-service consulting engagements with schools, civic leaders, boards, industry partners, and teams for equity consulting, engagement design, workforce development, and strategic planning.
3. Program Fees: Some programs offer fee-based registration for outdoor activities, trips, and certifications. Events include options like 'sliding scale' pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Syatt delivers year-round outdoor programming for Black and Brown youth and families in Northeast Ohio through nine activity tracks (Skiing, Swimming, Scuba Diving, Bikes, Soccer, Civics, Stewards, Explores, Travels) paired with the Syatt Certs credential framework. The organization also offers six fee-for-service consulting engagements (Civic Action Labs, Engagement & Impact Design, Workforce Pathways, Impact Strategy, Partner-in-Residence, Regional Leadership) to schools, nonprofits, agencies, and civic partners.

Product overview

Syatt is a community-powered organization offering a multi-faceted portfolio of outdoor recreation, environmental education, youth development, and consulting programs unified by the mission to build community power through outdoor transformation. The core offerings center on nine activity programs (Syatt Dives, Civics, Stewards, Swims, Bikes, Skis, Soccer, Explores, and Travels) each providing skill-building and certification pathways, complemented by the signature Syatt Certs credential framework. Consulting services include six distinct offerings (Civic Action & Community Design Labs, Engagement & Impact Design, Future-Focused Learning, Impact Strategy, Partner-in-Residence, and Regional Leadership) for schools, nonprofits, agencies, and civic partners. The portfolio is anchored by flagship initiatives like the Blue Futures Aquatic Project and Northeast Ohio Youth Climate Summit, with programs bridging from youth ages 10+ through adulthood.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Syatt Certs: Signature certification program tracking growth from beginner to leader, including nationally recognized credentials
• Syatt Dives
• Syatt Skis
• Syatt Swims
• Syatt Bikes
• Syatt Civics
• Syatt Stewards
• Syatt Explores
• Syatt Soccer
• Syatt Travels
• Blue Futures Aquatic Project
• Get Black Outside (GBO)
• U-Matter Institute

Products and services

• Syatt Skis Winter sports program teaching skiing and snowboarding from beginner (pizza wedge) to advanced levels, with options for racing and freestyle exposure. Syatt's founding program rooted in Midwest slope conditions for youth ages 10-19.
• Syatt Swims Water safety and swimming program building fundamental skills with progression toward professional lifeguard certification, Water Safety Instructor credentials, and aquatic professional pathways, addressing 5.5x drowning rate disparity for Black children.
• Syatt Dives Underwater exploration program offering scuba certification (Open Water through Instructor), environmental monitoring, coral reef restoration, underwater archaeology tied to African diaspora history, and marine conservation partnerships with Youth Diving with a Purpose and the CARES coalition for ages 14-22.
• Syatt Bikes Cycling program offering League Certified Instruction, Smart Cycling training, Night Riding, trail design and maintenance, with community rides exploring urban and natural landscapes and emphasis on safety and visibility.
• Syatt Soccer Community soccer program introducing Black and Brown youth to the world's most popular sport as both a cultural connector and developmental tool, with seasonal training and community games.
• Syatt Civics Civic education and leadership program for ages 16-22 that blends real-world participation with site visits, conversations with leaders, and regional/national travel to help emerging leaders understand how policy shapes communities and how to influence change.
• Syatt Stewards Environmental education and restoration program focused on Johnston Run watershed, providing hands-on water quality monitoring, soil testing, drone/GIS skills training, and community-led restoration work connecting neighborhoods to Lake Erie.
• Syatt Explores Community adventure programming offering cultural experiences, camping, hiking, kayaking, rowing, and wellness practices with accessible entry points for beginners and pathways to deeper engagement through other Syatt programs.
• Syatt Travels Global exploration and cultural exchange program preparing participants with passport readiness, trip planning, and cultural immersion experiences that connect travel to leadership and environmental care at home.
• Syatt Certs Signature certification framework recognizing growth through real-world participation, grounded in cultural history, environmental literacy, outdoor safety, and community leadership, with both experience-based track certifications and Legacy Certs for returning leaders.
• Civic Action & Community Design Labs Consulting service rebuilding civic engagement as shared practice through community labs, neighborhood gatherings, partner trainings, and reflection tools that turn awareness into coordination and visible change.
• Engagement & Impact Design Consulting service turning community input into clarity and action through creative engagement sessions, listening tours, pop-ups, community design labs, and visual/plain-language reports for decision-makers.
• Future-Focused Learning: Workforce & Opportunity Pathways Consulting service providing field-based learning experiences, after-school and summer programs, credit recovery models, educator training, and entrepreneurial challenges that blend exploration, teamwork, and leadership.
• Impact Strategy for Nonprofits & Social Enterprise Consulting service offering strategic scans, funding roadmaps, collaboration models, funder-ready reports, and coaching for founders navigating organizational growth and sustainability.
• Partner-in-Residence Embedded consulting engagement where Syatt team members work shoulder-to-shoulder with client teams on board engagement, staff development, culture building, program design, and community trust-building.
• Regional & Collaborative Leadership Consulting service convening multi-state alliances, facilitating cross-sector gatherings, guiding shared-vision strategies, and producing action plans for regional coalitions in Great Lakes, land conservation, and youth networks.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9 out of 10 youth participants pursue higher education, STEM careers, or entrepreneurship
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Northeast Ohio Youth Climate SummitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Syatt has been a founding partner of the Northeast Ohio Youth Climate Summit since 2024, helping build and grow it into a strong, student-centered experience. In 2026, the Summit reached 421 registered students from 31 schools with 17 breakout sessions and 30 organizational partners.
• Blue Futures Aquatic ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlue Futures Aquatic Project is Syatt's umbrella for water-based programming that builds skills, certifications, and career pathways in the blue economy. From learn-to-swim and water safety to scuba certification, environmental monitoring, and underwater stewardship, Blue Futures connects youth and families to Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes system.
• Miles Heights Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMiles Heights Development Corporation strengthens the Miles Heights neighborhood on Cleveland's southeast side through housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development. Syatt partners to bring outdoor learning, watershed restoration, and youth programming directly into the neighborhood.
• Cleveland Parks & Greenspace CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSyatt serves on the advisory council for the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition, contributing to planning, policy, and community engagement strategies. Also represents Friends of Kerruish Park and Arthur Johnston Park work.
• Ohio Environmental Council CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSyatt is part of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Coalition working with partners across the state to help inform environmental policy including water access, parks, energy equity, transportation, and workforce inclusion.
• Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvancing access and inclusion in parks. Partnership includes Environmental Education Center (EEC) educator open houses and staff training workshops.
• Cuyahoga Valley National ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic lands partner for hiking, paddling, and outdoor education. Hosts events including Syatt Sunday Brunch and Syatt Certs programming.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiverseNPS partnership with National Park Service to promote outdoor inclusion and advance equitable access to national parks.
• Fresh Water InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to cultivate the next generation of water leaders dedicated to protecting and advancing the region's freshwater future. Co-develops Fresh Water Institute Fellowship Program.
• League of American Bicyclists / Bike ClevelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding safer streets and equitable bike access through League Certified Instruction. Partnership includes Doan Brook watershed rides and community cycling events.
• Rural ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-led environmental and economic work across Appalachian Ohio. Partnership for Appalachian Green Teachers Conference and cultural exchange.
• Get Black Outside (GBO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA national movement co-founded by Syatt increasing outdoor participation among Black communities. Syatt leads GBO Freshwater Snorkel & Camp Out and other initiatives.
• Trust for Public LandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSyatt joins Trust for Public Land's annual Day on the Hill each year to advocate for equitable access to nature, conservation funding, and policies linking outdoors to health, climate, and justice.
• NOAA, ODNR, Cleveland WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational and local agency partnerships for youth scuba diving and environmental monitoring programs on Lake Erie. Students train alongside scientists and contribute to real coastal research.
• HEAL of Greater BuckeyeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Syatt Swims program bringing Swimming 101 to the community at Cleveland State University pool. Addresses water safety for youth and adults.
• Youth Diving with a Purpose (DWP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration through CARES (Collective Action for Restoring Our Ecosystems) for marine conservation and youth development in underwater archaeology and coral reef restoration.
• Tennessee Aquatic ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for comprehensive training creating opportunities for youth to develop valuable skills in diving and aquatic fields.
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M University, Seneca Nation of IndiansminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic and tribal partnerships developing Lake Erie underwater Cultural Resource Management (CRM) programming for youth.
• Growth Opportunity PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosting OEC State of the Environment Northeast Ohio event at Growth Opportunity Partners location in Cleveland.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Latino Outdoors: National organization fostering Latinx leadership in the outdoors. Direct peer in the outdoor-equity space with analogous programming (hikes, community events, leadership pipelines) and a comparable consulting-style community engagement model.
• GirlTrek: Largest public health nonprofit for Black women and girls in the U.S., focused on walking and outdoor activity as a vehicle for health and community. Comparable in mission (Black community health/outdoor activation), audience, and community-led model.
• Outdoor Afro: National nonprofit inspiring Black connection and leadership in nature. Most directly comparable peer — same mission of increasing outdoor participation among Black communities, with similar programming (hiking, swimming, camping) and consulting-style community engagement. Syatt co-founded the related Get Black Outside movement.
• Black Girls Dive Foundation: Nonprofit exposing Black girls to scuba diving, marine science, and water safety. Directly comparable to Syatt Dives and Syatt Swims programs, addressing similar water-safety disparity and building a STEM/aquatics pipeline for underrepresented youth.
• Melanin Base Camp: Community and media platform increasing diversity in the outdoors. Comparable to Syatt in mission and audience; differs in being more of a community/media organization rather than direct program operator.

Broad incumbents

• National Wildlife Federation: Large national conservation organization running youth education and outdoor programming. Broader-incumbent peer with overlapping environmental-education and stewardship programs, but not focused on the same community-equity niche Syatt serves.

Emerging players

• Brown Girls Climb: Nonprofit creating leadership opportunities for women and girls of color in climbing and outdoor recreation. Comparable niche focus on outdoor access for underrepresented communities, though narrower (climbing-only) than Syatt's portfolio.
• Venture Out Project: Nonprofit providing outdoor experiences for LGBTQ+ people. Adjacent peer in the outdoor-equity space with similar community-led programming and partnership-driven delivery model.

Regional players

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland: Youth development organization serving Cleveland youth with programming, mentorship, and activities. Comparable regional peer in mission (positive youth outcomes for underrepresented Cleveland kids) but with a broader traditional youth-development scope rather than outdoor-equity focus.
• YMCA of Greater Cleveland: Local YMCA serving Greater Cleveland with youth development, aquatics, and outdoor programming. Comparable in geography and audience (Cleveland youth/families) and in delivering swimming and outdoor recreation at scale, though broader and less equity-niche.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/syattCLE
• Facebookfacebook.com/SYATTCLE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/see-you-at-the-top-cle
• Instagraminstagram.com/syatt_cle

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Syatt