We are excited to announce that Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) was selected as a Youth Development Relief Fund Awardee by School’s Out Washington and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
$9.4 million was recently awarded to 421 youth development organizations across Washington state, with a focus on organizations most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and which support priority populations including BIPOC, LGBTQ, migrant/immigrant, youth with disabilities, and youth in poverty.
“The organizations that received these funds have navigated great challenges to provide responsive support and connection for children and youth when they need it most. School’s Out Washington is dedicated to supporting and championing the work of youth development providers and we hope this influx of financial resources helps these organizations maintain, recover and ultimately thrive,” said Elizabeth Whitford, CEO of School’s Out Washington
The grant award will support NWOBS existing work in North Central Washington while also creating opportunities to broaden our reach in the region. This fall, NWOBS happily and safely welcomed back 7th graders and high school students from the Methow Valley School District for local rock climbing programs. The students adapted to COVID-19 safety protocols and were overjoyed to be outdoors challenging themselves and trying new things.
“I’d like to thank you again for encouraging us to send our son to Outward Bound,” said one MVSD parent. “He had a GREAT time and it did much to bolster his confidence. He was absolutely beaming from that valuable experience.”
Following a year of online school, social isolation and divisiveness, we know that youth need to get outside, be active and safely engage with each other. “This award will help us deepen our existing partnerships such as with Methow Valley School District, while enabling us to expand to serving additional communities and partners,” said Marc Heisterkamp, Executive Director of Northwest Outward Bound School.
Learn more about NWOBS work with schools and community groups here and School’s Out Washington and the Washington Youth Development Nonprofit Relief Fund here.