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Cornell Outdoor Education relies on the generous support of former participants, instructors, and alumni with a passion for personal growth through adventure and exploration. Our key fundraising priorities are to improve instructor pay and reduce the financial barriers to participation. This year we increased instructor pay and offered a fee waiver for students on financial aid. We need your help to continue this progress and to guarantee opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and personal growth to thousands of Cornell students!
COE provides PE classes for over 1,000 students. 99% of our students report that their PE class contributed to their mental well-being and ability to manage stress. COE also provides an opportunity to make new friends in a welcoming environment for people from all backgrounds. Those strong ties help students to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion in what can be an intimidating institution.
COE has more diverse course offerings than any university-based outdoor program in the country. Students can experience the classics, like hiking, backpacking, and canoeing, or take a walk on the wilder side with white water kayaking, traditional lead climbing, or even circus skills. Some offerings, like high-angle rope rescue, and redwood tree climbing are unique.
Our alumni often tell us that the leadership skills they learned while instructing COE programs significantly impacted their professional careers. While there are many different types of leadership experiences available at Cornell, few of those involve the level of supervision and care involved in the outdoor environment. At COE, student leaders have the responsibility not only for educating their students, but also for their physical and emotional safety in what can be a very stressful environment.
Our classes and programs foster a lifelong connection to the natural world. That connection will only become more important as environmental issues rise to the forefront of our daily concerns.
