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Character Matters

PROGRAMS

The 2026 Outward Bound Character Cohort 

Character for College Readiness, Access & Success

The world is complex and unpredictable. Social and political landscapes are shifting. Tech plays an ever-increasing role in our lives. So much information, so many choices. Anxiety, loneliness, and apathy are on the rise. Young people can become disconnected, experience decision fatigue, or lose their sense of purpose. Students need the character to face today’s unique challenges and pursue their dreams. Character matters.

Outward Bound for Character 

We’ve helped young people grow resilience and prepare to thrive for more than 60 years. Today, high schools, colleges, youth-serving nonprofits, educational associations and funders across the country are deepening their commitment to character. They know that character skills are not just “nice-to-haves,” they are foundational to success in school, work, and life. Outward Bound is answering the call for character with an innovative new program.

Character Development + Research 

Outward Bound and the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) are bringing character development and character research to high school and college students. The Character Cohort has 3 components:

Expedition— leadership wilderness adventure
Research— EMA custom survey & reporting
Community— publication, convenings & media

Imagine Your Students...

...Unplugging, shouldering a canoe, charting a course, lightening a friend’s load, initiating courageous conversations, forging friendships, experiencing belonging... stargazing, discovering strengths, tapping into joy, growing grit, finding confidence... and developing character.

Character Expedition

  • 8 days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or St Croix Riverway
  • college or high school students
  • summer or fall 2026
  • 7 students + 2 Outward Bound instructors per crew
  • student character certificate & recommendation

Character Research & Community

  • EMA pre and post custom survey, student interviews & data analysis
  • annual character roundtable & cohort convenings
  • national impact publications & presentations
  • storytelling, elevation, media & video

Character Cohort Specs

Value

  • Character Expedition— student character development, certificate & recommendation
  • Research— evaluation, data & impact reporting
  • Community— annual roundtable, publication, presentations, video & messaging

Support

  • Design— customized expedition program for your learning community goals
  • Admissions— student recruitment, info sessions & readiness screening
  • Impact— student surveys, program evaluation & debrief meeting

Investment

  • $15,400— cohort participation + 1 expedition crew (7 students)
  • $30,800— cohort participation + 2 expedition crews (14 students)
  • $46,200— cohort participation + 3 expedition crews (21 students)

*If you are a youth-serving nonprofit or public school and require funding to participate, please inquire about support. Funding may be available to support historically marginalized students.

“On this trip, I started to discover how strong I really am and to explore my full potential. I learned how to work well in group settings, how to try new things, and how to speak up when I have ideas.”
- Culver Academies Alum

“I went Outward Bound 2 weeks before college. I was feeling unsure about my place in this new community, but this program gave me a sense of belonging, and the skills I need to thrive.”
- University of Notre Dame Alum
"An unforgettable experience—pushing boundaries, building confidence, and developing important leadership and teamwork skills. Your team’s thoughtful planning, expert guidance, and dedication made a tremendous difference. Thank you for creating such a safe, empowering, and memorable adventure.”
- Girls Inc. Executive Director
"Youth-serving nonprofits, high schools, colleges and powerful institutions like NACAC and EMA have a vested interest in helping students and learning communities grow character. Educators and researchers know that character development is central to college readiness, access, and success. Character really matters.”
- NACAC Character Focus Initiative Chair

Join the Character Crew 

   
Contact Partnership Officer Susan Farrell
susan.farrell@vobs.org • 651.321.4626

 

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