Impacts & Outcomes

WHY OUTWARD BOUND?

Since 1962, Outward Bound in the USA has been a leader in the social-emotional development of learners of all ages. Outward Bound programs develop resiliency skills through connection, challenge, and reflection on single and multi-day courses ranging from the classroom to some of this nation’s most awe-inspiring wilderness settings.
 
We know that Outward Bound programs change lives. Our decades of proven best practice and impact make us a partner of choice for schools, colleges, employers, and youth-serving organizations nationwide. Our communities need leaders who model belonging, engagement, courage, and reflection. In a time of pandemic struggle and racial reckoning, our education system faces more challenges than ever to meet these needs. In response, Outward Bound USA is growing to meet this demand.

Measurable Impact of Outward Bound

The data below is provided by The Professional Learning Lab from surveys of 2,337 students on courses 3 days or longer and across 9 regional Outward Bound Schools:

81%

of students have gained the courage to face new challenges

76%

of students have committed to making a difference in my world

81%

of students say they can work more effectively in a group

74%

of students feel they are a better person

Of 2,344 students on courses 3 days or longer and across 9 regional Outward Bound Schools, the % of students that reported improvements in each area, are as follows:

The data represented is from the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey. Permission to use
the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey was obtained from PEAR.
Spending a whole month with people you've never met, you really get to know them- you cook each other's meals, you set up each other's shelters, you make sure their water is safe to drink.
ryan
Alumni '18

THE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING LAB

The Invaluable Role of the Learning Lab

The Learning Lab’s purpose is to continuously improve field staff instruction and the student experience so that every student has the best Outward Bound experience, every time.

First, we
focus on how the students learn.

Outward Bound’s educational approach is the compass that has guided students for 60 years. Today, we’re connecting it to the science of learning and development by applying current research in youth development, education, and social-emotional learning, and by keeping our students at the center of our work.

Second, we
strengthen staff practice.

The Lab facilitates collaboration between the regional Outward Bound Schools and provides professional learning and field observation resources to support staff development. These learnings and observations are then shared across the country to support Instructors in applying best practices.

Third, we
use data to drive program improvement.

Regional Schools collect data from two sources: field observations of staff practices and the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey. These two sources help us understand our student impact and identify opportunities to strengthen our programs.

The data represented is from the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey.  Permission to use the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey (OBOS) was obtained from PEAR.