Outward Bound USA has been awarded a $15 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
This record-setting gift will propel Outward Bound USA’s Advancing Access to the Outdoors initiative—a comprehensive effort designed to expand and innovate its community-based outdoor education programs and ensure fair access for students across the country.
The grant will launch the new Center of Excellence, which will strengthen programs across all nine regional Outward Bound Schools, the organization said in a news release.
It will also fuel capacity-building efforts, including the expansion of five- to seven-day immersive expeditions, which focus on leadership and character development, as well as accessible one-day programs tailored for local schools and community organizations.
Over the next five years, this investment is set to double the number of students reached annually—engaging 75,000 young people each year by 2029 and providing transformational outdoor learning experiences for a total of 275,000 students nationwide.
“Today marks a milestone in our journey toward ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of outdoor education,” said Ginger Naylor, CEO of Outward Bound USA.
“We are deeply grateful for the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s shared vision and commitment. This grant directly enhances our ability to expand our programs into communities across America, empowering more youth—especially the 90% of families currently unable to afford an experience like Outward Bound—to build confidence and reconnect them to themselves, others, and with the natural world.”
Arthur M. Blank, chairman of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, added, “Outward Bound has had a profound impact on my life, teaching me the invaluable lesson that we are all capable of far more than we realize. Outward Bound USA has consistently demonstrated excellence in fostering the courageous leaders of tomorrow through the transformative power of outdoor education. We are proud to support their efforts and firmly believe their programs provide important avenues for youth development.”
By launching the Center of Excellence and expanding its community-centered programs, Outward Bound USA says it is reaffirming its commitment to accessible, sustainable, and inclusive outdoor learning.
For more information about Outward Bound USA and its innovative programs, visit www.outwardbound.org.