What We Do

Mission

We empower youth to build resilient and sustainable rural communities and healthy ecosystems across the Glacier Peak region of Western Washington through innovative, action-based education programs integrating Science, Technology, recreation, Engineering, art, Mathematics, and skill-building (STrEaMs).

The GPI bridges the gap between classroom lessons and real-world applications. Our interactive programs combine nature-based curriculum with learner-led research and problem solving. We work to empower students and build relationships—between schools, residents, tribes, universities, students, human service organizations, government agencies, businesses and their local ecosystems—for the posterity of rural communities. We also recognize a gap between the opportunities available to both rural and urban youth—seen in access to outdoor connection and STEM industry exposure. Through connecting the positive characteristics of urban and rural environments, we provide cultural and educational exchanges to find diverse solutions and increase opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

What We Do

We engage rural youth with their environment through outdoor adventures, hands-on projects, and cultural exchanges. We do this by developing STEM lesson plans with Darrington School District teachers and designing immersive outdoor after-school and summer programs. We partner with local tribes, universities, nonprofits, and environmental groups to develop unique educational opportunities that empower students to identify, design, and solve today’s problems. Our students are encouraged to think creatively, work collaboratively, and live sustainably as they take ownership of environmental projects and the opportunity to impact their community.

Who We Are

We are a community of mentors, educators, and families who are passionate about the future of the Glacier Peak Region and believe that a stronger future starts with our kids. Our faculty lives for the outdoors and is passionate about the lasting impact that outdoor connection has on kids’ health. Our students are part of a rural community greatly impacted by devastating natural disasters and a need for educational opportunities. They’re part of the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators—it’s our mission to show them what’s possible.

Our Story

On March 22nd, 2014, the deadly SR 530 Mudslide devastated the Darrington community.

The GPI was formed as a direct response to this tragic event by members from Darrington, North Counties Family Services, Washington State University Extension, and the Darrington School District. This community of volunteers and educators launched the Darrington Youth Outdoor STEM Pilot Project to invest in Darrington’s youth, forests, and recreation programs. This grew to become the Glacier Peak Institute.

Today GPI programs continue to empower rural youth. Our students learn about infrastructure and science through hands-on projects that directly contribute to the ecological and economic regeneration of their community.

Land Acknowledgement

Glacier Peak Institute honors the land itself and the Indigenous peoples shaping it for millenia, their continued care today, and the future. Glacier Peak Institute lives with Sauk-Suiattle, Stillaguamish, Tulalip, Swinomish, Upper Skagit, and more tribal lands.

These tribes steward the unique region with practices benefiting ecosystems. Inclusion of this knowledge can build resilience across communities.

Learn more about the Sauk-Suiattle,Stillaguamish, Tulalip, Swinomish, and Upper Skagit.

Our Logo

We began the process of redesigning our logo at the beginning of Covid. With schools shutting down and GPI wanting to find a way to incorporate youth in the process, we coordinated with the Darrington School District to have kids create designs. We assessed all submissions and took elements from several different designs to incorporate into one cohesive design. We worked with a local graphic designer for several months until we reached a design we all loved! We wanted the design to show: how GPI is place based by having Glacier Peak in the background; having people care for and play on the landscape to demonstrate our human connection to nature; the snow, rain, and shine to show that we serve no matter the weather; and that the forest is both young and new.