As we kick off the first week of the new school year with students back on site at Windy Peak and Mt. Blue Sky, we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of the High School Leader Program. High School Leaders are the backbone of Outdoor Lab, guiding sixth-grade program participants through their week-long experience. Last year alone, a total of 1,029 high school students stepped up to the challenge, dedicating their time, energy, and passion to serve as mentors and role models for Jeffco sixth-graders. Together, they contributed a staggering 87,465 hours of community service, making a profound impact on the lives of the students they guided and the environment they worked to steward.
One of the reasons Outdoor Lab has been so successful and beloved through the years is the culture of student leadership that has been instilled in the program. High School Leaders, recruited from 17 Jeffco High Schools, play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Outdoor Lab program and facilitating a safe and impactful experience for all. Whether they are leading hikes, teaching ecology lessons, or assisting sixth-grade students as they're learning about themselves and others, our High School Leaders embody the values of mentorship and community. Their dedicated volunteerism not only enriches the experiences of the sixth-grade students they serve, but also sparks a personal interest in many about what their future career could be in a related field.
The Foundation is investing in the future of our young leaders by launching the Career Pathways Program. The program, supported by a grant from the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation, offers learning modules, webinars, and certification opportunities to enhance the resumes of our High School Leaders. It will also create a referral network and connection space for them to engage with community and outdoor industry leaders. The Career Pathways Program will develop a steady vein of highly motivated and effective young people that will soon look to break into Colorado’s workforce.
We are excited to invest in and welcome a new cohort of High School Leaders this school year, who will undoubtedly continue the legacy of excellent student leadership at Outdoor Lab. We invite you to stay connected with us and support these inspiring young people as they embark on their journey to make a difference in our community and beyond.
