Kate Lessman
The funding ensures all Jefferson County sixth grade students can participate in Outdoor Lab, develops young leaders in high school, and supports the historic preservation of the Windy Peak site
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (May 23, 2023) -The Outdoor Lab Foundation, the organization dedicated to ensuring the innovative programming of Outdoor Lab is available to every sixth-grade student in the Jefferson County Public School district, today announced a milestone of over $400,000 in donations to 35 Jeffco public middle schools to support transformative and educational outdoor experiences for students in the district. The grants also include funding for the historic preservation at the Windy Peak campus.
In total, the Foundation is providing $401,803 in grants, in-kind donations and volunteer support which includes:
$177,629 to 35 middle schools for Outdoor Lab tuition support to eliminate cost as a barrier to the program.
$20,000 to support internship stipends.
$11,000 for general maintenance of both Outdoor Lab sites and programmatic needs.
$24,000 to support high school leaders who serve as caring mentors to the sixth-grade participants.
$75,000 of in-kind outerwear to provide students with appropriate clothing for the elements.
$50,000 for the historic preservation effort at Windy Peak.
$2,000 to support evening presentations for Title 1 Schools.
$42,174 worth of volunteer’s time. Over 147 volunteers contributed 1,082 hours of community service to Outdoor Lab
“As we enter our 20th year of serving the Outdoor Lab program, we are proud to provide over $400,000 in funding to continue to expand and grow and develop this incredible and important program,” said Bryan Martin, executive director of The Outdoor Lab Foundation. “The memorable outdoor education experience Outdoor Lab provides youth in our community equips students with life skills that reach beyond the classroom. After experiencing the Outdoor Lab program, students often gain newfound confidence and empowerment that fosters transformational growth.”
Outdoor Lab is a careful integration of several proven youth development models, including experiential education, socio-emotional and life-skills learning, outdoor recreation, and mentorship. The curriculum and program format work in tandem to help students realize their leadership potential and uncover personal, interpersonal, and social skills. Outdoor Lab provides opportunities for students to practice effective communication, teamwork, and goal setting in a challenging and awe-inspiring wilderness classroom.
About The Outdoor Lab Foundation
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Outdoor Lab Foundation’s mission is to inspire community support for, and advocate on behalf of, Jeffco Public Schools’ Outdoor Lab Program. The Foundation forges relationships with businesses, the local governments, and non-profit organizations to support and make more meaningful, the Outdoor Lab experience for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The Foundation’s strategic initiatives include, the Tuition Assistance Program, Student Leadership, the Site Support Program, Welcoming Experiences, Prepared Teachers, and Historic Preservation. Visit www.outdoorlabfoundation.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Kate Lessman, Think Big Media PR for the Outdoor Lab Foundation
kate@thinkbigmediapr.com, 970-333-3395