Our Why:
In an increasingly digital and divided world, young people are facing rising levels of disconnection from nature, from one another, and from a sense of purpose. Cottonwood Institute exists to bridge those gaps. We create opportunities for students to step outside the classroom, into the outdoors, and into their own power, cultivating the confidence and connection they need to become changemakers in their communities.
What We Do:
We partner with schools and community organizations in Aurora, Denver, and Boulder, CO to bring transformative programs into the classroom and beyond. By blending environmental education, outdoor adventure, and leadership development, we create space for students to explore who they are, what they care about, and how they want to make a difference. Every program culminates in a student-led Action Project—a real-world initiative that addresses a local community or environmental issue students are passionate about.
“It was great! The trip was another massive success for the boys. They were able to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and catch A LOT of fish…Some young men caught over ten fish each. For many of them, it was their first time catching a fish, and to see the excitement on their faces as they yelled, ‘I got one!’ priceless. There were a lot of questions about when they could go again or return.” -Jason M., Sims-Fayola Foundation
Cottonwood Institute’s (CI) vision is to awaken the changemaker within every student.
CI is on a mission to connect middle and high school students to nature and inspire them to protect it.
Cottonwood Institute (CI) was founded in 2004 by Ford Church, whose life was transformed by a high school outdoor program in New Orleans. This program connected students with nature through canoeing, climbing, camping, and backpacking adventures, fostering a close-knit community and instilling in Ford confidence, leadership skills, and a deep environmental ethic. When the program was cut due to cost and liability concerns, Ford was devastated, but a seed was planted.
After years exploring careers in sales, operations for a survival school, and youth environmental education, Ford pursued a Master’s in Adventure Education from Prescott College. He returned with a vision: to build a program that gave all students, especially those historically excluded, access to meaningful outdoor experiences like the one he had. Cottonwood Institute was born out of that vision: a commitment to connect youth with nature, build community, and inspire lifelong changemakers.
Organization name
Cottonwood Institute
other names
CI
2004
Tax id (EIN)
20-1822172
Category
Education
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
9189 E 23rd AvenueMailing
PO Box 7067Denver County, CO, US
Phone
303-447-1076
Main Number
303-447-1076 700
Main Number
303-447-1076 701
Main Number
303-447-1076 702
Main Number
303-447-1076 703
Main Number
303-447-1076 704