A lifelong difference
View the full 2021 Student Impact Report
Northwest Outward Bound School evaluates the success and impact of our wilderness and urban programs through first-hand student testimonials and quantifiable, post-program assessments collected from the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Profile of student surveys.
Using the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Profile, which measures the building blocks of healthy adolescent development, we measure and analyze student's pre- and post-course responses to questions that evaluate the following outcomes:
- Character Development: demonstrating increased self-confidence, self-actualization, and compassion toward others and live a healthy and balanced life.
- Leadership: demonstrating the ability to set goals and to inspire and guide others to achieve them, as well as to collaborate, communicate, solve problems, and resolve conflicts
- Service: Students demonstrate social and environmental responsibility and actively engage in service to others.
From our students & community partners
"Outward Bound has completely changed the course of my life. I’ve been continuously given the tools to discover both my positive and negative qualities and ways I can overcome both mental and physical obstacles."
–Bridget, Reynolds High School
"I was able to step out of my comfort zone and expand my physical and mental boundaries. If I had not been given this opportunity, I would not know how far I can push myself to accomplish my goals. I am proud to be the man I am today knowing I can push myself further and further to have a successful future."
- Miguel, NWOBS wilderness expedition alumnus
“Outward Bound brings out a part of students' personalities that teachers seldom get to see in a classroom. On an Outward Bound course, students will step out of their own individual comfort zones and move beyond their self-imposed limitations, and in the process have a meaningful experience cooperating, reflecting, and learning about themselves and their peers. These are things that come right back into the classroom and have a positive effect on achievement and my middle school students' overall self-confidence.”
- James Dugan, Parkrose Middle School Teacher
“The classroom instructors with Outward Bound are true professionals. They are able to get to know the students, challenge them, and support young people to do things within their class time that they normally might not do. The lessons learned in doing so bolster a confidence level that students carry with them long after leaving the Outward Bound class time."
- Shane Pluchos, Reynolds Middle School AVID and Social Studies
