Our Campaign for Sustainability
In March 2008, HMI launched a significant capital campaign to insure the sustainabiliy of the institution. Through the generosity of lead donors, HMI has already received gifts and pledges totalling $1.2 million, or 73% of the total campaign goal of $1.7 million.
The High Mountain Institute (HMI) was founded in 1995 by Molly and Christopher Barnes with a vision of combining the best of traditional independent education with wilderness education. At the heart of our mission is the junction between intellectual and outdoor pursuits. The Rocky Mountain Semester (RMS) has completed its 19th semester and the evolution of HMI continues. With over 500 RMS alumni and over a thousand alumni from our leadership, wilderness medicine, avalanche training, and custom programs, HMI is an established and nationally recognized institution.
HMI stands on the leading edge of educational innovation. We challenge our students to consider other perspectives and ultimately find their own a
nswers. Navigating from one camp to another holds deeper meaning than simply correctly interpreting the contour lines on a map. The "how" of experience opens the door to the "why." Living mindfully in the natural world is an integral part of all HMI programs. The faculty serve as mentors along the way, yet ultimately the students lead themselves and each other to high levels of understanding about themselves and the natural world. Students in our Rocky Mountain Semester, Leading Edge, High Peaks Adventure, and other programs consistently rise to the challenge of transferring the lessons of the wilderness to the rest of their lives. After leaving, alumni report increased – confidence, academic performance, affinity for positive communities, and a passion for exercising the leadership skills it takes to build community.
HMI's sense of place leads us to a watershed moment – we are focused on creating a sustainable future where the reality of our resources permanently supports our true long term potential. Our success has created the next challenge – seeking support for a permanent endowment and current capital needs.
Developing our campus will secure the base camp that is needed for us to explore far past our current educational horizons. An endowment for financial aid and faculty and staff support will expand our reach to more students and maintain the high standards of education our faculty and staff provide to our students.
HMI is the place where "Nature and Minds Meet," our success is illuminating the new challenges before us. HMI was created and thrives on the passionate leadership and dedicated efforts of many individuals. The entire HMI faculty and staff are ready for the next evolution and look forward to working in partnership with our alumni families, supporters, partner organizations, and the world at large to navigate onward to the next milestone in HMI's evolution.
Campaign Priorities
On careful review of a planning study and after significant discussions, the HMI Board of Trustees has chosen to proceed with a capital campaign. The campaign is divided into three key areas designed to address specific needs:
Fund for People: An endowment for financial aid and employee support $900,000
Fund for Facilities: Capital Projects: community center, meeting house & classroom, etc. $700,000
Fund for the Future: Program development and wilderness permit acquisition $100,000
Initial Campaign Goal: $1,700,000