Onward & Upward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education organization established in 2007 with the intention of strengthening Alaskan youth, families, and communities through evidence-based experiential learning. Our mission is to promote a culture of "One Health" in Alaska through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development. Course offerings are diverse and are offered to wide range of student groups, university students, educators, community groups, with an emphasis on the vulnerable, disadvantaged, and traditionally underserved youth subpopulations. Onward & Upward educators/guide leaders are highly trained professionals in the field with specialties in holistic behavioral health and wellness, experiential education facilitation, risk management, and hold top-level certifications in wilderness medicine.
Our name "Onward and Upward," represents resiliency in the face of adversity and positive, prosocial growth. We offer fun and exciting opportunities for students to engage and connect with one another, their families, their community, and the Alaskan wilderness through our health and wellness-focused curriculum. All our programs include the immersion of our students into Nature. The role that nature plays in the development of positive self-concept, healthy sense of self-efficacy, and prosocial relationships is powerfully therapeutic, deeply empowering, and helps create holistic health and wellness.
Any donations will go directly to Onward & Upward and will be used to help grow and develop our programs and impact. To learn more, or to speak to someone about how you can get involved, please feel free to reach out.
