Our Purpose

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Our Purpose

NYC Outward Bound Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners annually with more than 100 NYC public schools to support equitable, immersive and joyful learning experiences.

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Who We Are

Founded in 1987, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners with more than 100 public schools across NYC to engage students in equitable, immersive and joyful learning that prepares them to thrive in community, college and career.

Our unique approach to programming focuses on adventurous learning — daring exploration, real-world engagement, and meaningful challenge — whether in school, local communities, or the outdoors. In schools, we coach teachers and school leaders, and outdoors, we deliver adventure programming to students.

Every day, we are proving that transformation and innovation can happen within a public school system, and that with truly equitable schools, all students — regardless of background or circumstance — are capable of achieving at high levels.

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Our Vision

We envision a future where all NYC students are engaged in equitable, immersive and joyful learning that prepares them to thrive in community, college and career.

Our Mission

We support NYC young people in developing the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenge and live fulfilling lives.

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What Sets NYC Outward Bound Schools Apart

We make learning adventurous.

We bring the transformative power of Outward Bound courses into NYC public schools, ensuring that school is equitable, immersive and joyful for students. All of our programming — whether with teachers or students, in school or outdoors — fosters social-emotional and academic development (SEAD), which are both necessary for student success.

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We have proven that innovation can happen within public schools.

For nearly 40 years, we have partnered with NYC public schools to support effective and sustainable change. Our deepest and longest standing partners operate as testing grounds for new practices, approaches and ideas — allowing innovation to take root from within the NYC school system.

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We are crew, not passengers.

We know that true growth happens in supportive communities. where students feel safe, heard and valued. Our unique Crew advisory structure serves as a catalyst for stronger school communities, ultimately fueling deeper engagement in learning across lines of difference. Every day, we live out the words of Outward Bound founder Kurt Hahn, “We are crew, not passengers.”

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We reach a unique population.

Annually, we partner with over 100 NYC public schools, working with both educators and students through our programming.

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We believe in adventurous learning in all spaces.

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