As a participant in the 15th Wilderness Leadership and Learning (WILL) class, I had an incredible experience that profoundly impacted me. The program provided opportunities to engage in activities and learning experiences that were entirely new to me, broadening my perspective and challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. From outdoor adventures to leadership workshops, each aspect of the program was thoughtfully designed to foster personal growth and skill development. I truly enjoyed the sense of community and the support from everyone in the group, which made the experience even more rewarding. WILL not only helped me discover new interests and abilities but also inspired me to continue seeking growth through meaningful experiences.
I owe everything that I have become to my participation in this program. At 13 years old, I was exposed to Wilderness Leadership and Learning and I must say, it put me on the path of serving my community and those alike. I was able to see the greatness that resides within me and every day I move forward -- supporting those who aspire to enact positive, social change for the youth. They are our future -- just like I was -- well, just like I am. Without Steve and his program, I'm not sure where I'd be now and I am forever grateful to have been a part of it.
My child participated in the WILL program during his 9th grade year and grew tremendously from the experience. The weeklong camping trip in the summer was especially significant for him. He had never done anything like it before and it pushed him out of his comfort zone in many ways. He came returned more reflective and more mature. He recognized how even the most challenging parts of the trip were important experiences. Since his WILL year, he has been more open to taking risks and facing challenges both in and outside of school. He developed friendships that are continuing beyond the WILL year.
WILL had a significant impact on my life. I had a mentor for a whole year who I look up to and who truly defines selflessness in a person. My experiences at WILL wouldn't have been possible without all the donations because they were trips that cost a lot. The best part was it didn't cost me a dime to experience life skills I will forever cherish. When I'm older, I'd like to come back and help the organization in one way or another so other kids can have the same experience I had.
Our daughter participated in the 2023 - 2024 WILL program and had an amazing and transformational experience. Our entire family was impressed with the passion and energy that WILL leadership brings to their mission of advancing leadership development and critical life skills amongst Washington DC youth through experiential learning. Our daughter left each WILL session energized and excited about her future. The culminating week long backpacking/adventure trip was a huge highlight where she got to challenge herself mentally and physically, and exercise leadership skills in the wilderness. We were impressed with the tremendous positive impact WILL had on a wide swath of youth across Washington DC. This unique non-profit is making a difference by investing in DC youth and preparing them to be productive, high-impact future leaders. I highly recommend this program to all!
Over the past year, I’ve come to know WILL, and I can say without hesitation that no organization does more good for DC youth. WILL provides transformative programming that equips young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to succeed. The program offers a holistic approach that goes beyond just career readiness, fostering resilience, self-worth, and a powerful sense of community. Their impact is clear in the countless success stories of young people who graduate and thrive.
Being a student in this program during high school was truly transformative. It gave me the tools, support, and confidence I needed to reach my potential. The resources provided were invaluable, especially during a time when I was exploring my academic and career aspirations as well as growing as a person.
When I entered college, I felt prepared, not only academically but also personally, thanks to the foundation this organization had given me. The program instilled a passion for learning and service that stayed with me, so returning as a volunteer felt like a natural step to give back and support other students the way I had been supported.
I truly believe more students should benefit from this organization’s incredible resources and the dedicated team behind it. This program doesn’t just provide support; it changes lives.
Steve Abraham, once my law partner, decided to take it upon himself to undertake an innovative program of improving the education, leadership potential and environment of the youth of the District of Columbia. The result of Steve's work over the past 20 years has been outstanding through Steve's work of enriching the lives of literally hundreds of young persons. Although my own contribution to Steve's efforts has been limited to financial contributions and morale support, I'm always confident that my contributions are always going to a very worthy cause.
I have had the good fortune to support WILL for more than a decade. Of all the nonprofits with which I have been associated in my professional life, none is more inspirational than WILL. The passion that WILL's leadership team brings to fulfilling its mission is inspiring. The impact that WILL makes on young people is remarkable. WILL is a nonprofit built from the ground floor based on a vision to help disadvantaged youth-a vision that is worth supporting.
I had the honor of serving on WILL's Board of Trustees for seven years, including several as Board Chair, and during this time I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact WILL has on youth in underserved neighborhoods in and around Washington, DC. I first found WILL as a volunteer, searching for ways to support my community and was drawn in by the emphasis that WILL places on increasing access to the outdoors. After several volunteer excursions I realized that the program is so much more than the opportunity to get outside and try new things - it's about fostering our next generation of leaders. WILL’s approach to experiential learning is nothing short of transformative. The year-long program includes adventures like overnight outdoor excursions as well as engaging sessions on financial literacy and goal-setting. The curriculum is both demanding and rewarding, instilling foundational skills that are critical for success in all areas of life. The emphasis on experiential learning fosters resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. And the bonds formed during these experiences create a support network that lasts well beyond the program duration. What truly sets WILL apart is the unwavering dedication of its founder, Steve Abraham. His passion for youth development is palpable, and his commitment to the organization is unparalleled. The results speak for themselves: impressive retention rates and high school graduation rates highlight the WILL's long-lasting impact.
I served on the WILL Board for eight and a half years, as Chair or Vice Chair for most of that time. In the course of my involvement with WILL, I volunteered on many occasions to participate in various of the WILL programs -- on weekends or school holidays -- and had ample opportunities to observe how Steve Abraham, WILL's founder and CEO, interacted with the senior high school students enrolled in WILL's curriculum. I never failed to be impressed by the degree to which the overwhelming majority of the young men and women in the WILL program grew over the course of their year: expanding their horizons, expansions that took them to unfamiliar places, undertaking new activities, and mastering new skills; but also gaining internal confidence and self-assurance. It's a great program and I only wish it could accommodate more students, a goal that I know Steve and the current Board are actively pursuing.
I recommend this organization as an example of what commitment to social action looks like. Throughout the last decade, I've had an insider view of effective leadership mentoring, at its finest. Their acronym, WILL, fits perfectly. Please have a quick look at the description, and support them with a generous donation, if you're inspired.