Onward and Upward

Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited 501c3 charitable nonprofit organization that uses experiential learning, adventure, and the outdoors to strengthen youth, families, and the community. Our name “Onward and Upward,” represents resiliency in the face of adversity and positive, prosocial growth. We offer fun and exciting opportunities for students to engage and connect with one another, their families, their community, and the Alaskan wilderness through our One Health curriculum. All of our programs include the immersion of our students into Nature. The role that nature plays in the development of positive self-concept, healthy sense of self-efficacy, and prosocial relationships is powerfully therapeutic, deeply empowering, and helps create holistic health and wellness.

Onward & Upward, an Alaska-based youth education center, is at the forefront of the prevention and early intervention movement to strengthen protective factors and decrease risk factors, leading to overall positive outcomes for our students. Our innovative curriculum and holistic Strengthening Kids model promotes student successes by inspiring positive self-concept, empowering healthy self-efficacy, and connecting students with their family, friends, peers, school, community, and environment by developing prosocial intelligence. Utilization of a strengths-based approach maximizes each youth’s inherent abilities and resiliency, not only minimizing risks such as substance abuse, depression, and the effects of adverse childhood experiences, but also supporting the development of mindful, positive, and engaged members of their community. Your donations made through the Pick.Click.Give. program are an essential component to helping us help youth, their families, and the community as a whole. As of December 2021 we have begun implementing the One Health Curriculum into our teaching and outreach. Your donation will also assist us with development and implementation of the One Health curriculum into our local schools and community. Thank you for your generous contribution!