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Seattle, WA

In 2010, SOS Outreach launched its Learn to Ride program with just a handful of participants. With the incredible impact witnessed since then, there was a clear need for the multi-year Mentor program. Thanks to funding from generous donors and support from the Summit at Snoqualmie, the mentor program was implemented during the 23-24 season with kids and teens enrolled from Seattle and Tacoma.

Alumni Spotlight

V (pictured left) first time loading onto a chairlift was with SOS in 7th grade. Though initially nervous, V made their first turns and hasn’t looked back since. As an alumnus of SOS, V had the opportunity to join a cohort of 3 other women in SOS to design a custom limited edition Nordica ski, which was brought to market and sold with 100% of the sales going back to support SOS programs. “SOS has helped me so much- career-wise, fun-wise, and character-wise. I’m very thankful,” says V, “this is my first product launching and I’m not even out of school. This is what my major is all about, so it’s like so insane to have been able to do this…For me, this project is one of the ways I feel like I can give back to the community that has supported me so much” V is a college student pursuing a degree in industrial design with a minor in writing and literature and was thrilled to marry their love for the mountains and design through this project. “Being a part of this cohort is a game-changer. I love the outdoors and I love design. This project merged my two passions into something that’s really meaningful to me.” V hopes to share their experience with other young women, just as others have done for them. “I remember so many impactful chairlift conversations that have stuck with me to this day, especially with female mentors… I want to inspire young women just like my mentors did for me.”

Youth Engaged Anually

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Get Involved

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Volunteer

Join our passionate community of volunteers and help make SOS’s mission a reality. Your contributions create positive change and a lasting impact on those you serve. But you’ll also find that volunteering with SOS will leave a lasting impact on you, too.

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Partner

From brand partners to local businesses, SOS Outreach leverages our partnerships to unite influential voices towards the movement of equity in the outdoor space. Together, we are able to change lives through the transformative power of the outdoors.

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Events

Experience guided excursions, inspiring speakers, and local community events with SOS Outreach. Our organization coordinates and participates in events to foster deep connections within our communities, fundraise, and support our mission.

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Donate

Your support matters, whether it’s through monetary or gear donations. With your help, we’re expanding our efforts to connect over 3,000 youth with an encouraging and supportive community that sets them up for success far beyond the mountains.

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Careers

At SOS Outreach, working for us means more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Join our passionate team, dedicated to building a brighter future for our youth through outdoor activities and mentorship.

FAQ

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in SOS Outreach?

SOS works with youth who are in 4th grade or higher.

My child doesn’t have any winter sports or outdoor gear. Can they still participate in SOS programs?

Absolutely! SOS has a vast inventory of jackets, snow pants, goggles, gloves, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and anything else necessary for hiking and camping. For our introductory program, all equipment and winter clothing is provided if your child needs them. As the youth progress into the mentoring program, we continue to provide all winter clothing, and there are options to purchase ski/snowboard equipment at very discounted rates.

Is there a cost for students to participate in SOS's programs?

Yes, there is a fee for service to participate in SOS’s programs. The fee covers a portion of program expenses, and with support from our corporate sponsors and generous donors, SOS Outreach covers the remainder of the necessary expenses. Contact your local program contact for pricing details.

How do youth qualify for SOS programs?

We work with youth who face disadvantages due to factors such as their address, socioeconomic status, and other similar challenges. Our participants are optimistic, resilient, and motivated to work hard. They may not have the same access to resources and information that many of us had, which prepared us for adult life. We look at risk factors such as poor school attendance, low grades, speaking English as a second language, exposure to drugs and alcohol, involvement with the court system, and low household income. In general, we recruit participants dealing with at least two of our risk factors. Check out our Participant Assessment Form to see if your child is eligible for our programs.