Adventures in Living
Lessons for Life

Unleashing the potential of DC youth through critical life-skills training.

About WILL

WILL (Wilderness Leadership & Learning) is a transformative holistic 12-month, experiential learning, youth leadership, and life-skills development program.

Four pillars provide structure and support for the WILL curriculum/experience:

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Leadership & 
Self-Empowerment

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Critical Life Skills Development

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Environmental Awareness & Stewardship

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Cultural Awareness & Appreciation

Changing lives for the past 20 years

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100%
WILL grads have graduated high school
Compared to D.C.’s 74.9% four-year graduation rate for the 2021-22 school year
89%
Program attendance rate
335+
Program hours annually
28
Program days per year
50-79%
Retention rate
Far exceeding the 50% benchmark for youth development programs
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What our graduates have to say about WILL

Support teens like these.

I have grown in every way possible by being a part of WILL; I would do it again 1,000 times. Every WILL program I learned something new. I will never get a chance to do something like WILL again.  I think that everyone should do the WILL Program.

Curtis

WILL Graduate

Through WILL I learned that there is greatness in me, that I have a bright future, and that I can do anything I choose to do by working hard to achieve it.

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Keyri

WILL Graduate

WILL greatly increased my level of self-confidence.  Steve says that we all have greatness  in us and because of my WILL experience I believe him.

Clinard

WILL Graduate

WILL is a once in a lifetime experience and is a life changing experience that gives you more than you could ever imagine.

Karen

WILL Graduate

If I were you, I would join the WILL Program. It is really a great experience; you learn about yourself and get to do things you never thought you would or could do. WILL should be required for all high school students.

Royerick

WILL Graduate

My WILL experience was inspirational.  I participated in life changing activities that I would not have experienced without being in WILL.  I gained a new appreciation for nature and the importance of taking care of the environment, and I learned that I am a compassionate person and a good leader.

Ivania

WILL Graduate

WILL is the best program; it expanded who I am and made me a stronger person. Every WILL activity was my favorite because each one gave me knowledge.

Adam

WILL Graduate

Of the many things I learned in WILL, a few that standout are: I can do anything if I put the time and effort in it, how to make SMART goals and action plans to achieve my goals, to take care of the environment by not wasting food and conserving water, and the importance of money management and credit, how to implement a budget, and to live with financial dignity.

Tyreek

WILL Graduate

WILL teaches us SMART Goals so we know how to set clear goals and to use action plans to achieve our goals. This is inspirational to me because learning SMART Goals has me excited about what I can and will do in the future.

Daymon

WILL Graduate

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