Overview, Mission, Vision, & Goals
What is the Cottonwood Institute? The Cottonwood Institute (CI) is an award-winning 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado.
What does CI do? CI is on a mission to connect diverse students to the outdoors and empower them to take action to improve their schools, the community, and the environment for future generations.
Why does CI do it? CI’s vision is to inspire a new generation of 21st century leaders who are environmentally aware, civically engaged, and empowered to make a positive impact within their communities.
Why does it matter? CI believes that students can’t be expected to care about the environment if they never have a chance to explore the outdoors.
Why is CI unique? CI’s philosophy is that once students have a meaningful connection to the outdoors, become aware of an environmental issue, and obtain hands-on experience to address this issue, they are more likely to take the lead to become environmental stewards and engaged citizens.
How does CI do it? CI collaborates with schools and community organizations to deliver high quality, high impact environmental education and service-learning programs that are designed to strengthen leadership skills, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship. For more information, please visit the “Courses” section of our website.
Recent Accomplishments:
- In 2011, CI students were the recipients of the 2011 National Environmental Education Foundation Green Prize and received $10,000 to continue the sustainability initiatives they pioneered at their public school.
- In 2010, CI served over 1,000 people, logged over 11,000 program contact hours, and completed over 3,500 environmental service project hours through its educational programs, outreach programs, and volunteer projects.
- In 2009, CI’s Earth Task Force helped write a grant to The Earth Day Network and won a $32,000 solar panel system for New Vista High School, which was installed just before Earth Day 2010. Each member was recognized by the Boulder Valley School District by receiving Superintendent’s Honor Roll Certificate.
- Since 2007, 5 Community Adventure Program Alumni have won the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award by the City of Boulder Youth Opportunities Board. Each year, only 10 students are selected to receive this distinguished award.
- In 2006, CI received the Colorado Alliance For Environmental Education’s Environmental Education Award for Excellence for the Community Adventure Program awarded by former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.
- Since 2003, CI students have designed and implemented over 30 student-directed Action Projects to address local environmental issues, including water conservation, energy conservation, and organic gardening projects.
Student Testimonials:
“The Community Adventure Program was, without a doubt, one of the best classes I have taken at New Vista High School. The Community Adventure Program helped me understand more about my place in the world and how I want to save it. It has helped me understand the incredible potential and opportunity I have as a high school student to make a true difference in the world.” Community Adventure Program Student
“We so appreciated the opportunity to go out on a survival adventure sponsored by the Cottonwood Institute. “Your founder and donors should be very pleased with how your organization is helping to nurture a love of the outdoors and the confidence to enjoy it as only a true camping experience can provide. My husband, who is deployed to Afghanistan, also wants me to pass on his gratitude for getting his girls up to the Colorado mountains this summer. It’s nonprofit groups like this that take up the slack when our troops are off serving and away from family.” Operation: Military Kids Parent and Participant.
Educational Goals:
The Cottonwood Institute achieves its vision and mission by:
1. Connecting diverse students to the outdoors
2. Increasing their knowledge of local environmental issues
3. Taking personal responsibility to improve their schools, the community, and the environment
4. Developing 21st century student skills, including: leadership, critical thinking, and problem solving skills
2010 Evaluation Data:
In 2010, an average of Community Adventure Program post-course participant evaluations demonstrated the following results:
• 98% of our students would recommend our programs to other students.
• 88% of students said they were more aware of environmental issues compared to when they started this course.
• 87% of students indicated they were more likely to take steps to reduce their environmental footprint compared to when they started their course.
• 87% of students indicated they had the skills to identify a need and come up with a solution to make a positive impact in their school, community, or the environment compared to when they started their course.
2010 Student Demographics:
Cottonwood Institute works primarily with schools and community groups that serve low-income students. In 2010, on average:
• 53% were eligible for free or reduced lunch — an indicator of poverty
• 23% were Hispanic/Latino(a)
• 19% identified with other races
• 59% were Caucasian
Organizational Goals:
- Continue to serve a sustainable and diverse mix of public school students.
- Maintain a sustainable and diverse source of funding to offer our programs.
How You Can Help The Cottonwood Institute Thrive: Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our educational programs and to help us empower our students to change the world! To make a tax-deductible donation, please make all checks payable to Cottonwood Institute and mail your donation to PO Box 7067, Denver, CO 80207. You can also donate securely online by Clicking Here.
For more information contact: For more information about how we are “changing the world, one adventure at a time,” please visit the Action Project section of our website or contact Ford Church, M. A., Founder and Executive Director at 303.447.1076 ford@cottonwoodinstitute.org.
History of the Company:
The Cottonwood Institute was founded by Ford Church, M. A. in September 2004. The idea for the Cottonwood Institute came from his passion for the outdoors, his commitment to the environment, his love for inspiring the youth of America, and from his interest in giving back to the community. In 2003, Ford received a Master’s degree in Adventure Education from Prescott College and created the Community Adventure Program as a culminating project of his thesis. The Community Adventure Program has been implemented at New Vista High School in Boulder, Colorado since October 2003 and based on the success of the program and requests for more programs from parents and students, Ford founded the Cottonwood Institute and their summer programs approximately one year later.
Anti-Discrimination Statement:
The Cottonwood Institute shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, students, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services.
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