Latest Research: An Evaluation of Trekkers
The Data Innovation Project at the University of Southern Maine recently released findings detailing the impacts of Trekkers on students. Read more about this report, with special thanks to Oceanside High School and PEAR for their collaboration. Read the ReportFor the past 30 years, Trekkers has provided positive relationships and experiences for young people to develop into thriving adults. With PEAR (Partnerships in Education and Resilience) as an external evaluator, we measure student impact across three categories.
For over 25 years, Trekkers has provided positive relationships and experiences for young people to develop into thriving adults. In partnership with The Pear Institute, an external evaluator, we measure our impact across three categories: Aspirations, Resilience, and Relationships.
“[After completing Trekkers, I take with me] a real sense of self and a confidence for who I am and want to be.”
12th Grader
In 2024:
- 89% of students improved their critical thinking skills
- 86% of students were more interested in learning
- 100% of 12th grade Trekkers students graduated high school
“[After completing Trekkers, I take with me] a real sense of self and a confidence for who I am and want to be.”
“The overall Trekkers experience has prepared me for life because it’s made me realize how to deal with certain emotions and challenges and really made me a better and more open-minded girl.”
12th Grader
In 2024:
- 86% of students were more action-oriented
- 84% had more empathy toward others
- 76% were more assertive than before Trekkers
- 76% of students improved self-reflection skills
- 74% of students were more optimistic
“With Trekkers, I’ve hiked mountains, explored cities, walked through lava tubes, sat for hours on a bus talking to people, cooked my own meals, and have been asked to challenge myself and to answer the questions no one has asked me before.”
12th Grader
In 2024:
- 79% of students improved relationships with adults
- 83% improved relationships with peers
“[We used consensus-based decision-making] to plan our trip. It included everyone in the decision. We were able to hear everyone’s voice.”
Stats above represent the 2023-24 program year. Permission to use the Holistic Student Assessment (HSA) was obtained from PEAR.
What Students Say
How We Approach Our Work
RESEARCH
Trekkers is committed to continually evaluating success, methods, opportunities to better serve our students. Read the Data Innovation Project’s evaluation study of Trekkers: Beyond 365 Days: A Retrospective Evaluation of Trekkers.
PARTNERSHIPS
Our education, business, and nonprofit partners exist in our communities and across the state and the country. These partners act as collaborators towards a shared goal – enabling all young people the opportunity to thrive. Reach out to us if you are interested in becoming a partner!
PROGRAMS
Our programs run from seventh grade through twelfth grade, as students go through adolescence and transition into adulthood. Learn more about how we engage, guide, and support students through our programs.
MODEL
Based on over 25 years of programming success, Trekkers Youth Programming Principles are designed to be applied at other youth-serving organizations. Read more about opportunities and consulting services offered through the Trekkers Training Institute.
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