Outdoor Lab Foundation

The Outdoor Lab Foundation's mission is centered around inspiring community support for an advocate on behalf of Jefferson County Public Schools' Outdoor Lab program. In essence, the foundation aims to foster a strong community backing for this educational initiative, which provides students with the opportunity to connect with nature and engage in experiential learning.

Over the past year, the foundation has made significant strides in achieving its mission. It has successfully conducted 56 week-long camps, catering to 35 middle schools and serving over 5,000 students. The students, many of them experiencing the outdoors for the first time, have hiked an impressive 40,000 miles and spent over 20,000 program days engaged in learning activities.

In addition to these educational endeavors, the Outdoor Lab Foundation has implemented various program areas and strategic initiatives. One such initiative is the Tuition Assistance Program, which ensures that the fees for attending the Outdoor Lab are affordable or even free for as many students as possible in the district. In the fiscal year 2023, the foundation provided nearly $200,000 in grants to help cover tuition costs for 35 middle schools.

Another initiative is the Intern Program, which offers stipends to support the 40 interns who play a crucial role in the functioning of the Outdoor Lab. These interns, often high school students, provide invaluable support to teachers, organize classes, and serve as mentors to younger students.

The High School Leader Program is another significant aspect of the Outdoor Lab Foundation's mission. This program relies on the volunteer support of nearly 1,000 high school students each year, who contribute over 76,500 hours of community service to the Outdoor Lab and Jeffco neighborhood schools.

The foundation also supports nurses and aids with necessary resources and supplies, maintains the campuses for optimal learning environments, and expands the gear library with essential outdoor clothing for students. Moreover, the foundation is committed to preserving the historic buildings on the Windy Peak campus, having been awarded a $50,000 grant from the State Historic Fund for this purpose.

In summary, the Outdoor Lab Foundation's mission is to inspire community support for the Outdoor Lab program in Jefferson County Public Schools. Through various initiatives, the foundation provides affordable access to the Outdoor Lab, supports high school leaders, and maintains the campuses and gear library, among other commitments. Its dedication to preserving the historical buildings on the Windy Peak campus further highlights its commitment to this mission.