NatureBridge Celebrates Cognia Accreditation

San Francisco, CA– NatureBridge, the leading overnight outdoor education nonprofit and largest education partner of the National Park Service, is proud to announce its recent accreditation by Cognia, a global network of educators dedicated to improving educational opportunities for all learners. This accreditation is the culmination of 18 months of student, program and organizational assessments and marks a significant achievement in NatureBridge's commitment to providing high-quality, impactful educational experiences in some of the nation's most breathtaking national parks.

Cognia, formerly AdvancED, nationally recognizes schools that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meets the needs of learners, and effective leadership. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school is accredited, and that NatureBridge is recognized across the nation as a school that meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.

The comprehensive evaluation conducted by Cognia's evaluators centered on NatureBridge's effectiveness in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, its leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, and its engagement and growth in learning. This process highlighted NatureBridge's adherence to four Key Characteristics crucial to educational success.

Highlights of the Cognia Accreditation Include:

• Engagement of Learning: NatureBridge excels in providing students with equitable opportunities for active learning. The organization’s approach to education encourages student voice, promotes diversity, and fosters a growth mindset, enabling students to thrive in and out of the classroom.
• Culture of Learning: NatureBridge's dedication to a transparent, inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning culture was recognized. Through initiatives like mandatory equity and inclusion training for all new staff and continuous improvement efforts, NatureBridge sets a standard for fostering a positive educational environment.
• Leadership for Learning: The governance structure, including a national board composed of dedicated volunteers and regional advisory boards who are experts and visionaries in their fields, supports NatureBridge's vision and mission, ensuring effective leadership across all campuses.
• Growth in Learning: NatureBridge's strategic initiatives for data collection and analysis aim to enhance student learning outcomes continuously. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, NatureBridge has made remarkable strides in rebuilding its capacity for student enrollment and staffing.

This accreditation not only validates NatureBridge's efforts in offering superior outdoor educational programs but also provides a roadmap for future growth. It underscores the organization's dedication to its mission of connecting young people with the science and wonder of the outdoors, igniting self-discovery, and inspiring stewardship of our planet.

"We are thrilled to receive this accreditation from Cognia. It is a testament to our team's hard work, the engagement of our school partners and the quality of our educational programs," said Phil Kilbridge, CEO of NatureBridge. "We remain committed to our continuous improvement journey, ensuring that we provide the best possible learning experiences for our students, helping them to grow academically, socially, and emotionally."