Outward Bound is at the center of a fundamental shift in the nation’s educational paradigm. We are helping students become more engaged, compassionate, and confident. By teaching key social and emotional skills, our programs are helping students outgrow their comfort zones and learn to lead, together.
Our Vision:
More resilient and compassionate individuals. A more resilient and compassionate world.
Our Goal:
Catalyze students' social and emotional development through transformational expeditionary experiences.
Students gain confidence while learning invaluable teamwork and leadership skills through shared group experiences. Outward Bound’s Domains of Thriving (DoT) framework helps us teach and measure the cognitive, social, and emotional progress each individual achieves through our courses. The DoT allows us to create the conditions young adults need to increase their resilience and learning engagement and empowers them to contribute positively to their communities.
Learn More About HIOBS on our main site
All learning requires a holistic approach across three interconnected areas: Cognitive, Social, Emotional. Here at HIOBS, our educational approach places character and intellectual development on equal footing.
Learn More About SELThe Outward Bound Domains of Thriving (DoT) combines our 60 year history with the latest insight and research on social-emotional development. Developed through a partnership between Outward Bound USA, the regional Schools, and Dr. Gil Noam, the DoT highlights the four areas of human development that are impacted on an Outward Bound course: Courage, Belonging, Reflection, and Physical Engagement.
Learn More About DOT
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The Outward Bound Outcomes Survey (OBOS), designed and validated by the Partnerships for Education and Resilience (PEAR), measures student change in 12 areas. Students take the survey at the end of their course, and report on each area. In 2019, all HIOBS' students age 11- 24 were asked to complete the OBOS. Analysis shows a statistically significant increases between students pre and post-test scores in all 12 areas.
While our outcomes are strong in learning interest, perseverance, assertiveness, and physical confidence for the majority of our students, they are even stronger amongst young women. We are helping prepare young women as they make some of their most important decisions about school, career, and the lives they wish to lead.
Alexia is a two-time HIOBS alumna. She joined her first course right before her senior year of high school thanks to Clark Sports Center, one of our longest scholarship-serving partners. After completing an associate degree in business, Alexia wasn't sure she was on the right path or ready to jump into a bachelor's degree in the same field…
Learning interest is a crucial part of success in academics, career, and life. When students are interested in a subject, they are more motivated to try harder, and often move the needle further. We are thrilled to see how engaged our students are on course, and to hear their reflections about carrying this curiosity forward.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of Hurricane Island Outward Bound School and do not necessarily reflect those of PEAR.
The outdoor industry has a pernicious diversity and equity gap. Black and Hispanic participants are the most impacted, while fewer women participate than men, and those who face financial barriers are also less likely to get outside. In 2019 HIOBS had inequity across our participants.
of 494 students surveyed, ages 11-24
To achieve this, we are working to:
• Increase access for students of color through partnership and philanthropy
• Increase equity in staff compensation and benefits
• Improve the relationships between our staff and student•s
• And increase representation within our staff and board
Pinnacle Partners. Through this program, we offer collaborative, expeditionary programs for schools and non-profit organizations that serve students of color and those who face financial barriers. Working with community-based organizations, we learn how to serve students better, remove barriers, and improve outcomes.
The Outward Bound Outcomes Survey (OBOS), designed and validated by the Partnerships for Education and Resilience (PEAR), measures student change in 12 areas. Students take the survey at the end of their course, and report on each area. In 2019, all HIOBS' students age 11- 24 were asked to complete the OBOS. Analysis shows a statistically significant increases between students pre and post-test scores in all 12 areas.
Permission to use the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey (OBOS) was obtained from PEAR.
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“I feel a lot more confident with who I am now, and that’s going to help me with what I want to do when I am older.”
Cara, Former HIOBS Student
of HIOBS students reported a positive change in Assertiveness
of HIOBS students reported a positive change in Perseverance
“You definitely have to go out and pull your own weight or your teammates suffer.”
Jake, Former HIOBS Student
students reported positive change in Group Relationship skills
students reported positive change in Teamwork skills
“I realized that I’m one of those people who work best in high stress situations… I need a moment where I am overwhelmed and then once I take a deep breath I can figure out exactly what I want to do."
Mahogany, Former HIOBS Student
students reported positive change in Empathy
students reported positive change in Self-Awareness
students reported positive change in Responsibility
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“The journey made me realize my potential. To take advantage of my education and want to do better. I often found myself unmotivated to try my best and this experience helped me realize it’s a mindset…motivation comes from within. It’s up to you how much you want to succeed. Commit yourself to anything even when it’s hard.”
Hugo, age 15
students reported positive change in Physical Confidence
students reported positive change in Emotional Control
students reported positive change in Self-Regulation ability
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