NYC Outward Bound Schools

10/09/2026

We are thrilled to welcome three new Board Members, who bring a wealth of experience in procurement and operations, nonprofit financial strategy, and cutting-edge technology: https://bit.ly/4ygL57V

Outward Bound is committed to sparking lifelong growth through challenge—outside. We facilitate adventurous learning, rooted in the outdoors, to unlock confidence, curiosity, and the skills to thrive with purpose.

10/07/2026

New York State's Portrait of a Graduate expands the vision for the social, emotional and academic competencies all students should demonstrate by graduation.

At NYC Outward Bound, we know that this doesn't mean sacrificing rigor.

"This transition isn't about lowering expectations. It's about expanding what rigor means, and giving students more ways to demonstrate what they know and what they can do."

🎥 Hear more from Aurora Kushner, our VP of Programs, in her testimony to New York City Council:

10/06/2026

You know what day it is?! 📣 Trading Card Tuesday!

Today we're spotlighting Hannah Read, Senior Manager of Program Design and Crew Coach. Hannah took a circuitous route to coaching via fundraising and volunteer management. She credits her previous role with giving her a strong foundation in partnership development and creative problem solving — all necessary for supportive coaching.

👉 Read more here: https://bit.ly/4jIBe6Y

10/05/2026

In less than a month, Team NYC Outward Bound Schools will be running the TCS New York City Marathon to support adventurous learning in our city’s schools! 🏃💨

Each of of our runners has a special connection to this mission, and SURELY knows the value of persisting through challenge. Meet the team: https://bit.ly/3VJtHLe

10/01/2026

14 students. 6 weeks. 1 summer of discovery.

Our Basecamp to Career pilot left an indelible mark on our first graduating Crew of students — changing what they believed was possible. 👉 Read more about what they're taking with them into this school year:

Outward Bound is committed to sparking lifelong growth through challenge—outside. We facilitate adventurous learning, rooted in the outdoors, to unlock confidence, curiosity, and the skills to thrive with purpose.

09/30/2026

On today's Trading Card Tuesday, we're getting to know Reuben Harris, Senior Coach of Crew & District Strategy, and diving deeper into one of his favorite Crew protocols — storytelling.

“Storytelling has this natural ability to spark empathy and create perspective-taking moments...ultimately building belonging for both students and staff.”

Read the story AND see it in action through video 👉 https://bit.ly/4z5Op6z

09/25/2026

This week, Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School - MELS senior & NYC Outward Bound Schools Student Advisor Olivia Wright testified before New York City Council's Committee on Education 👏 🎉 Starting next year, New York State is decoupling The Regents exams with its graduation requirements, and many are concerned that the lack of a standard assessment will cause schools to simply pass students without ensuring their mastery of subjects.

But we know this is a false choice.

📣 Hear more from Olivia on why project-based learning is one way for schools to help students dive deeper into content rather than simply teach toward a test.

09/24/2026

"Every educator should deliberately become a beginner at something on a regular basis...to reproduce the cognitive and emotional experiences our students face every day."

Just like Ravi Gupta, we believe there is a real benefit for teachers to remember what it feels like to be the student.

Today, 60 staff from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development are on-site with us, ready to do just that as they step onto our climbing wall! 🧗‍♂️

Gupta: If you haven’t been truly bad at something lately and climbed your way to proficiency or mastery, then you are out of touch as an educator.

09/22/2026

On today's Trading Card Tuesday, meet Coach Michelle Alers. Michelle's favorite part of coaching is watching students grow into leaders in their Crew spaces.

Last year, she helped launch Crew with a small group of at-risk students at one of her partner schools. By the end of the year, this same group of students had improved attendance numbers, engagement and they were leading activities for peers and staff!

Get the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4ducPy6

09/22/2026

Too few young New Yorkers are getting meaningful exposure to nature. Together with our friends at Outward Bound USA, we're on a mission to change that! ⛰️🌲

Join in the push for less screens and more GREEN 💚 by donating to NYC Outward Bound's page on Outward Bound Gives, starting tomorrow:

Your gift today will spark lifelong growth through challenge—outside. Join the 3 supporters for Outward Bound Gives.