For more than a decade, Glacier Peak Institute has empowered youth in vulnerable, rural communities to overcome trauma, build resilience, embrace the unique benefits of rural environments, and prepare for future success in the work world and beyond.
Their unique program offerings combine STEM education with outdoor recreation to encourage students to think creatively, solve contemporary problems, and take ownership over the projects and issues that impact their communities.
At Accountability Services, we’re proud to have played a role in Glacier Peak Institute’s growth and are excited to learn about the new strategies GPI has rolled out to broaden their sphere of influence.
Reaching more youth through the Glacier Peak Institute Partnership Program
With a full decade of experience under their belt, the GPI team sought to replicate their successes in Darrington, where the organization is headquartered, to benefit more communities across Western Washington.
Following a collaborative approach, Glacier Peak Institute has successfully partnered with schools and other nonprofit organizations to create and implement culturally appropriate and familiar outdoor education and recreation experiences for historically marginalized communities throughout Snohomish, Skagit and King Counties.
Building on these accomplishments, GPI’s leadership is hoping to share their knowledge and experiences with even more local groups serving other at-risk communities.
Expanding into workforce development
A natural complement to their outdoor educational curriculum, GPI has augmented their Workforce Development Program to provide even more opportunities for young people to get their initial work experience in communities with limited prospects.
- Forestry-related roles expose older teens to hands-on work that includes trail restoration/maintenance, pruning, post-harvest timber replanting, climate change monitoring, road measurement/upkeep and more.
- Their wood chipping service delivers multiple benefits in addition to work experience for participants. This fire mitigation technique helps protect our forests, while providing a free service to low-income residents who would otherwise not be able to afford it.
What’s next for Glacier Peak Institute?
Heading into 2025, primary goals include adding a second job training site, connecting with more schools to offer STEM and outdoor education classes, and growing their partnership program.
How to get involved
Join Glacier Peak Institute at their annual spring fundraiser, held at The Mountaineers Club of Seattle’s Program Center. The always fun UPSTREAM Dinner & Auction is scheduled for May 6, 2025.
Click the button below to:
- Register
- Inquire about sponsorship opportunities
- Donate auction items
- Or volunteer for the event
You can also support their cause directly with a one-time or monthly donation. As little as $25 provides nutritious snacks and meals for a Summer Camp, Day Adventure or After School program participant.
$50 sponsors GPI’s popular mountain bike educational trail ride and $100 provides plant starts, gardening supplies and education materials for an entire classroom to learn about agriculture, horticulture and our ecosystem.
For more information, visit glacierpeakinstitute.org or email Development Director Scott Rossiter.
