Connections Programs
Connections for Boston Public Schools
Thompson Island Outward Bound’s flagship program model, Connections, combines hands-on science lessons with the best of Outward Bound’s approach to social emotional learning, leadership, compassion and service. Middle school students can attend Connections programs during the school year, for a 5 week summer day program, and/or take part in summer backpacking and kayaking expeditions. Many students go on to participate in Thompson Island’s Green Ambassadors summer employment program in high school.
Our research-based middle school science curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science standards and has been written in conjunction with certified Boston Public Schools science teachers. Researchers have documented that time spent on Thompson Island is expanded learning that works, laying the groundwork for students’ success in the classroom, workplace and community.
By the end of eighth grade, our students consider themselves scientific thinkers in their approach to solving problems and have both the drive and ability to lead constructive change in their communities.
SCHOOL YEAR
We partner with Boston Public Schools to help close the opportunity and achievement gaps by bringing students to Thompson Island every year throughout middle school. Program length ranges from one to three days with each student visiting Thompson Island at least 7 times by the end of their middle school education. The programs are complemented by pre and post classroom lessons that prepare students for learning and “living” on the island.
SUMMER CONNECTIONS
Staffed by a dynamic combination of Thompson Island Outward Bound facilitators, certified Boston Public Schools middle school teachers, and National Park Service Rangers, our Summer Connections program leads students through challenging activities designed to help them grow as scholars, leaders and scientific-thinkers.
This free program is offered to 6th and 7th grade BPS students from our partner schools and provides transportation, breakfast, lunch and snacks five days a week for five weeks in the summer.
EXPEDITIONS
Every Thompson Island Outward Bound expedition is structured around a main mode of travel – backpacking or sea kayaking. On expeditions, rising 7th and 8th grade Boston Public Schools students are encouraged to push themselves beyond their perceived limits, tackle new challenges, and achieve their goals. Instructors emphasize skill-building, leadership, teamwork and fun. After their five to seven day summer expedition, students return home with new insights, developed confidence, determination, a sense of responsibility and compassion for others.
CONNECTIONS GOALS
The goals of Connections are to:
- Improve student achievement in math, science and English language arts.
- Develop social emotional skills to help students succeed in school, their community and in life.
- Increase student interest in professional and vocational careers, including STEM-based (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries.
- Develop active and informed citizens who are ready to take responsibility for creating a more sustainable world.
PARTNERS
Some of Connections key partners include:
- Boston Public Schools
- Boston After School and Beyond
- BoSTEM
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
- National Park Service
- PEAR
- The Lawrence Hall of Science
- United Way
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Thompson Island Outward Bound uses evaluation as an ongoing process to discover what aspects of our youth programs are working and how to continuously improve them. We partner with researchers and educators at Harvard Medical School, Wellesley College, UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science, Boston Public Schools, the National Park Service and Boston After School and Beyond.
Independent evaluations of our students have concluded that Thompson Island Outward Bound’s education programs are strengthening children’s academic performance in ELA, Math, and Science, as well as life skills. This edition of the Evidence of Success highlights our science work and its impact on Boston students.
