COBS Receives $400,000 Investment from The Kahlert Foundation to Expand Outdoor Learning Opportunities in Utah  

We’re excited to announce that Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) has received a $400,000 investment from The Kahlert Foundation to support the expansion of outdoor education programming in Utah.

This transformational investment will help to significantly expand the COBS Southwest Program, creating new pathways for students to connect with nature and develop essential life skills through experiential learning.

This grant comes at a pivotal time as we work to deepen our impact across the region by expanding access to single-day and overnight expeditions—particularly for students who lack access to experiential outdoor learning. With the help of this funding, COBS will invest in the staff, infrastructure, and community partnerships necessary to make that vision a reality.

When you give students the chance to unplug, connect, and learn together in supportive but challenging outdoor environments, their confidence, interpersonal skills, and overall capacity to succeed can flourish. This can change the trajectory of a student’s life—and has a ripple effect on their community too.

– Amber Barnett, COBS School Director

The Kahlert Foundation’s support builds on recent success at our Colorado Rocky Mountain Program, where we nearly tripled the number of students served through Partnership Programs in 2024. We’re now taking those lessons to our Southwest Program where we’re working to develop long-term partnerships with schools and youth-serving organizations across the region.

This partnership holds special meaning for Heather Kahlert, Executive Vice President of The Kahlert Foundation. As a young teen, Heather participated in an Outward Bound expedition in Utah—and the experience had a lasting impact on her life.

As a Colorado Outward Bound School alum, I believe in the power of the outdoors to change lives.

– Heather Kahlert, Executive Vice President of The Kahlert Foundation

As an alumna who has followed Outward Bound’s evolution over time, Heather recognizes the organization’s thoughtful approach to meeting the needs of today’s youth.

Outward Bound’s programs are unique in their ability to use the outdoors as a classroom to teach confidence, leadership, and the sense of connection young people need to succeed in life.  We are excited to support the school’s expansion throughout Utah. 

– Heather Kahlert, Executive Vice President of The Kahlert Foundation

We’re deeply grateful for The Kahlert Foundation’s commitment to youth development and for believing in the power of Outward Bound to transform lives. With this support, we’re building the foundation for a future with more bold, compassionate leaders.

You Can Build the Momentum in Utah!

We’re eager to connect with educators, organizations, and donors who are interested in being a part of this partnership and capacity building journey across Utah.

To learn more about what’s possible, visit our Programs or Give Back pages or chat with our School Director, Amber Barnett, at [email protected].

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