NYC Outward Bound Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners with over 70 NYC public schools to support equitable, immersive and joyful learning experiences.
Our approach to working with young people and schools is grounded in the understanding that social, emotional, and academic development (SEAD) are innately interconnected to support young people to thrive in college, career and life. Our programs focus on creating immersive, deeper learning experiences that help students develop SEAD competencies in all spaces — including their classrooms, communities and the outdoors.
- In schools, we coach educators and school leaders to implement Instruction for Deeper Learning and Crew, our signature advisory structure
- Outdoors, we provide community building and adventure programming directly to students
See how our work in schools and in the outdoors combines to create immersive, deeper learning experiences for students:
What Sets NYC Outward Bound Schools Apart
We lead with SEAD.
We know that students’ social, emotional and academic development (SEAD) are interconnected and mutually dependent. The research shows that when students feel they belong and have a voice, they are more likely to succeed academically and become lifelong learners.
Our model centers student voice.
Our work is directly informed by students and guided by educators. We don’t prescribe answers; instead, we partner with students, educators and schools, engaging them as co-creators in the work.
We are a learning organization.
We learn from our successes and failures. Our schools work together as continuous improvement partners, which helps everyone in our network exchange and codify best practices.
We have proven that innovation can happen within public schools.
For over 35 years, the schools we’ve partnered with most deeply have operated as testing grounds for new practices, approaches and ideas — allowing innovation to take root from within the NYC school system.
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.
Our Commitment to Equity and Antiracism
Our Core Values
Community
We are crew, mutually dependent on each other to succeed so we collaborate, celebrate, innovate, embrace our differences, and support each other to deliver on our commitments.
Courage
We welcome vulnerability, seek out new ideas and adventure, proactively create new solutions, and take healthy risks to create the change we seek in the world.
Equity
We respect diverse perspectives, eagerly engage in candid and challenging conversations, and center the knowledge of those who have combated systemic inequity to ensure our programs and practices actively work to create equitable opportunities for our students.
Integrity
We do the right thing, especially in the face of adversity, holding ourselves accountable to each other, our students, and partners.
Learning
We are curious, seeking out new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences, understanding that great ideas and solutions can come from many different places.