Celebrating Wins and Impact
Scott Rossiter, Interim Executive Director
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Glacier Peak Institute's mid-summer newsletter! As we reach the midpoint of our summer programming, I'm filled with excitement and gratitude for our growing momentum. Our mission to equip and empower rural and underserved youth through Outdoor Education, Workforce Development, and in-school STEM education remains more relevant and critically important than ever.
Gratitude for Community Support
Our May UPSTREAM Dinner and Auction was our most successful event yet! We extend deep gratitude to our many sponsors, donors, board members, event committee, and volunteers who made this possible. Special thanks to our talented Chef Amy, Cascade Job Corp's parking crew, Master of Ceremonies Bevin, auctioneer Deion Glover, and site host The Mountaineers. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended in person and online to support and celebrate our mission.
We've had success this spring and early summer reaching new communities of support. Our team participated in Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, Experience Momentum's "Sweat for the Environment" event in Lynnwood, and multiple weeks at the Arlington Farmers Market. We also held two successful Family Fun Night events at Old School Park in Darrington, where families could meet staff and preview summer activities.
Recent grant success has strengthened our programs significantly. In June, GPI received a 17-month grant to develop an in-school curriculum that encourages youth to explore forestry careers. We also received two additional grants to support our Outdoor Education, Summer Camps, and Rural Urban Partnership programs for summer and fall. Equally welcome news arrived mid-June: AmeriCorps program funding was reinstated, ensuring our ability to deliver transformational summer adventure and youth partnership experiences.
Program Wins and Updates
Our Outdoor Education team kicked off summer in June with a successful Day Adventure. Youth from the Kulshan Creek neighborhood in Mount Vernon explored Heart Lake in Anacortes through canoeing and outdoor learning (see photos in this newsletter). July brought our busy summer camp season. At summer's midpoint, we've completed three of six Adventure Camp weeks (ages 10 and up) and three of five Youth Day Camp weeks (ages 7-9).
Meanwhile, our Workforce Development team navigated significant transitions in June. We celebrated members of our young adult workforce crew who completed restoration and maintenance projects through mid-month (see Rune's Journey article). The successful Spring Trail Ambassador program offered paid weekend learning experiences for young adults in partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. July launched both our High School Forestry Crew and High School Trail Ambassador programs, which continue through August.
These successes reflect the deep commitment of individuals, community leaders, businesses, and organizations who partner with us to get rural and underserved urban youth outdoors to connect, discover, learn, and grow.
Your Support is More Critical Than Ever
As state and federal leaders balance budgets amid shifting priorities, Glacier Peak Institute has also faced significant funding challenges this year.
Washington's No Child Left Inside (NCLI) program experienced severe cuts. Funding dropped from $4.5 million last year (supporting 109 projects) to just $1.126 million for only 15 projects this year. Despite GPI's strong application and track record—receiving $117,000 two years ago and $150,000 last year—insufficient funding prevented any award this cycle.
When AmeriCorps funding was suspended in May, GPI's youth programs faced potential disruption. To maintain essential in-school, after-school, and summer services led by four AmeriCorps staff, GPI converted these positions to part-time hourly roles and covered housing costs. Although funding was reinstated on June 16th, GPI redirected over $10,000 in unrestricted funds to ensure program continuity during the gap.
The Darrington school district, where GPI offers free in-school STEM and Outdoor Education programs, also faces challenges. Budget cuts this fall forced the layoff of five teachers, six paraeducators, and one of two school counselors serving K-12 students. With your support, GPI will continue our in-school programs and expand after-school offerings to provide additional high-quality, hands-on outdoor learning experiences for youth impacted by these cuts.
Here are two ways you can support this critical work:
Join our Trail Guide Monthly Giving Society! Your monthly is of any amount is a convenient and affordable way to get more youth outdoors!
Mark your calendars for our Fall Building Bridges event on the evening of October 16th at Floral Hall in Everett. More information coming soon!
Recognition and Gratitude
Finally, I want to conclude with recognition and gratitude to outgoing Executive Director and GPI Founder, Oak Rankin. Over the past 11 years, Oak engaged and partnered with the community to assemble a dynamic coalition of individuals, organizations, and staff who share his passion for getting rural and underserved youth outdoors. Under his leadership, more than 3,000 events provided over 100,000 hours of youth programming. Thank you Oak for your legacy of leadership and passion that continues to inspire and guide us!
With humble gratitude,
Scott Rossiter
Interim Executive Director
