LEADERSHIP MENTORING ADVENTURE
OUR MISSION To change the lives of underserved youth through leadership, mentoring, and adventure.
WHAT WE DO Leadership
By combining its unique ACES Leadership Framework (Action-Oriented, Courageous, Excellent Teammate, Strong Communicator) with the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets™, Explore Austin provides a six-year journey to leadership for 6th – 12th grade underserved youth. Our hands-on approach and our belief in learning by doing means our Explorers leave the program more confident, more experienced, and ready to lead. Mentoring
By participating in Explore Austin activities alongside their Explorers, our adult mentors develop positive relationships that have direct, measurable, and long-term impact. Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds and varying experiences, commit to a minimum of two years in the program, and receive ongoing support and training throughout their mentoring experience.
I thought I was going to impart all of this wisdom to our Explorers, but it came back to me 10 times over.” – Mentor Adventure
Explore Austin’s adventure based curriculum is built upon two key components; monthly Saturday Challenges and annual, weeklong Summer Wilderness Trips. Saturday Challenges are local adventures designed to build teamwork, leadership, and confidence, as well as equip Explorers with the outdoor skills necessary for their Summer Wilderness Trips. Summer Wilderness Trips are one-week adventures in the wild backcountries of Colorado, Texas, and Arkansas, designed to challenge Explorers and Mentors mentally, physically, and emotionally. Progressively challenging each year, these excursions are the foundation of the Explore Austin program. The Expedition Year, launched in 2011, is the capstone year of the Explore Austin program. As seniors in high school, Expedition Explorers bring the program full circle by becoming Junior Mentors to our youngest Explorers. In addition to mentoring these younger Explorers during Saturday Challenges and on Summer Wilderness Trips, Expedition Explorers also mentor twice a month during school on the KIPP campus. In keeping with Explore Austin’s belief that leaders give back, Expedition Explorers also plan and implement their own community service projects.
IMPACT WE’RE MAKING To date, Explore Austin has provided over 253 participants with 146,000 hours of mentoring, 383 Saturday Challenges, and 40 weeks of Summer Wilderness Trips.* WHAT WE TEACH
Leadership » Action Oriented » Courageous » Excellent Teammate » Strong Communicator
Mentoring » Desire to Mentor Others » Ability to Mentor Others
Adventure » Comfort in Unfamiliar Environments » Appreciation of Nature » Outdoor Skills
“Explore Austin was critical in the development of my…” Sense Of Comfort In Unfamiliar Environments Appreciation Of Nature Outdoor Skills Ability To Mentor Others Desire To Mentor Others Ability To Communicate Effectively Ability To Work Effectively Within A Team Ability To Face Fears Ability To Take Appropriate Action When Needed Confidence As A Leader 0
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*As of April 2014
Did you know? » 60% of 10-21 year olds say their schools should give them more preparation for the real world.
40% of young people participate in high-quality activities that teach how to form lasting relationships with others, make big decisions, and acquire skills needed to lead effectively.
» Only
» Minority and disadvantaged students are nearly 10 » Only
times more likely to drop out of high school.
21% of youth outdoor participants are minorities.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Become a Mentor
Becoming an Explore Austin mentor is the most direct way to change the lives of our Explorers! You don’t have to be a professional guide, but you should enjoy the outdoors. Experience working with youth, a desire to give back, and leadership experience are other common traits of our most successful mentors. Sound like you? Learn more by visiting the “Become a Mentor” page on our website. Donate
We rely on individual and corporate donations, as well as foundation grants, to make the Explore Austin journey to leadership possible. Because we are a 501 (c)(3) organization, all donations are tax deductible. Interested in supporting our cause and making the journey to leadership possible? Visit the “Donate” page of our website.
» $50 provides one Saturday Excursion for one Explorer » $250 provides airfare for one Explorer’s Summer Wilderness Trip » $750 provides one Saturday Excursion for an entire class of Explorers » $1,000 provides an entire year of
adventure curriculum for one Explorer » $2,500 provides an entire year
of Saturday Challenges for one team of Explorers
For additional ways to ge t involved, including volun teer opportunities, internshi ps, and partnerships, contac t us at info@exploreaustin .org or (512) 320-8899.
“From these trips, I’ve learned that if you put your mind to something or have help from friends or family, you can do anything… as long as you don’t quit.” – Explorer
“I’ve learned to not give up, challenge myself more, and reach for my goals… to not stop and to not let it be just a dream.” – EXPLORER
“When people ask me what this program is about, I tell them it helps me get a better education, helps me stay focused, and helps me work with other people better.” – EXPLORER
“The KIPP Austin students have truly learned from, and enjoyed, their time in Explore. Not only are the summer trips exciting for the students, but they give them an opportunity to further their learning about leadership, integrity, and themselves.” – KIPP AUSTIN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
2121 E. Cesar Chavez | Austin, Texas 78702 T 512.320.8899 | exploreaustin.org