University

 University features a four-year curriculum. Each year of the program includes five days of snowboarding and an increasing commitment to the community. Workshops and service days are scheduled to help students develop necessary life skills, such as civic and community engagement, leadership skills and advocacy skills.

Substantial participation from adults in the community enables all SOS University students to work with an adult mentor called a Sherpa. Sherpas provide the consistency, structure and love that the University Program is centered around. One Sherpa is partnered with five students and together they continue to explore the five core values of SOS and transfer this learning outside of snowboarding.

Year One students participate in five ride days with their Sherpa. The group members are introduced to service opportunities during three service learning days. At these events, they are acknowledged as community assets and experience the fulfillment of serving others.

Year Two students continue the five ride days and two service learning days. They add 10 hours of service at a community organization of their choice. The groups have chosen to walk dogs at the Humane Society, perform trail maintenance at local parks, volunteer with the police department to register skis on the mountain, and help to plan and build Habitat for Humanity homes. Their service gives the students an inside look at agencies that build community.

Year Three students develop and implement their own community outreach project in addition to their days on the mountain. The project may be created around local teen issues, such as suicide and depression, physical fitness, or drugs and alcohol; or it may be a fundraiser for another charity, such as a homeless shelter. Additionally, they are offered an interactive workshop on healthy minds and healthy bodies.

Year Four students have become engaged community representatives. They are offered workshops on advocacy and vocation. They have the opportunity to engage with community leaders as models for aligning their life path with their passion. Year four students ride with younger groups on one of their ride days, and generally act as role models for all University participants.

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Here are a few photos from Eagle County (Colorado)'s University program last year...

Find more photos like this on SOS Outreach International