Gateway Outdoors
Gateway to the Great Outdoors empowers students from low-income households by igniting curiosity through outdoor experiences, building environmental science literacy, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Who We Are
- Mission and Purpose: Gateway Outdoors enriches education for low-income students in Chicago and St. Louis through environmental, outdoor, and STEAM programs, fostering transformative opportunities and access.
- Educational Enrichment:Dedicated to providing underprivileged students STEAM and outdoor experiences, sparking curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and empowering them to overcome educational barriers.
- Community Impact: Gateway Outdoors catalyzes positive change in underserved communities, breaking barriers through collaboration, partnerships, and innovative programming, shaping a brighter future for students.
Embrace the Majesty of Nature Through the Art of Hiking
Enhanced Connection with Nature
Hiking immerses students in natural settings, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the environment. This hands-on experience is invaluable for environmental education.
Physical Health Benefits
Regular hiking promotes physical fitness and well-being, which is crucial for students in urban settings who may have limited access to outdoor activities.
Building Resilience and Teamwork
Navigating hiking trails requires resilience and problem-solving, and group hikes foster teamwork and communication skills. Implementation in the Program
Real-World Application of STEAM
Hiking trips can be used to teach various STEAM concepts in a real-world context. For instance, students can learn about biology by observing local flora and fauna, understand geography by navigating trails, or explore environmental science through the ecosystems they encounter.
Mental Health and Wellness
Studies have shown that spending time in nature, such as hiking, can significantly improve mental health, reduce stress, and boost mood and focus – essential for young learners.
Today’s Students. Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Gateway to the Great Outdoors empowers our students to learn outdoor skills, developing relationships with fellow classmates and their college student mentors, develop leadership skills and ultimately, change their perception of science and the world around them.
Explore Activities
