students on ice logo
  • About
  • Expedition
  • Alumni
  • Blue Futures Pathways
  • Partners

English

Select a language

English selected language check icon
French

We inspire and empower leadership for a sustainable future underline

A message from our Founder

One day in 1999, while standing in Antarctica surrounded by the surreal sight of a few hundred thousand chinstrap penguins, I imagined a wonderful what-if: what if youth could have this same awe-inspiring experience early enough in their lives that it would go on to shape their perspectives, their ideas, and even their entire futures. A year later, I took my first group of youth on an educational expedition to the polar regions, and SOI has brought more than 3,200 globally diverse youth and educators there since. Through events, media and digital campaigns we are able to reach and influence millions more, making SOI an internationally recognized leader in experiential education and meaningful youth engagement.

But the SOI experience doesn’t end after an expedition or event. Our alumni are running businesses, founding NGOs, writing books, performing ground-breaking science research and making enormous contributions to their communities and to the planet. All while creating an inspired new generation of sustainability leadership.

Today, we envision an SOI Foundation that delivers an expanded focus, programming, reach and impact far beyond the polar education programs that our name suggests. We envision a future that builds on the same dream, vision and passion for a better, safer and more sustainable world.

I invite you to explore this website to learn more about our programs, the inspiring partnerships that make SOI a reality, and the impact that we have made on thousands of youth—and in turn, on the world.

Geoff Green, C.M.
Founder & President

Our Mission

The SOI Foundation inspires and empowers leadership for a sustainable future by connecting youth to nature, and to the knowledge, people, and resources to make a difference.

Our Values

History & Growth

When we launched SOI in 2000, we possessed all the passion in the world, but little experience. Today, we’re fortunate enough to have plenty of both. SOI has led more than 35 expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctic and places in between. Each incredible journey raised the bar on our mission to engage youth, further their knowledge of the polar regions, increase diversity among our participants, and encourage cross-cultural collaboration to support a healthy and sustainable future.

Our vision for the future builds on SOI’s success in experiential learning and youth engagement to now develop new programs that include land-based, community-based, and virtual learning opportunities. Additionally, SOI is broadening its support of youth beyond experiential learning to offer new opportunities and resources for mentorship, professional development and community service. As always, our goal is to inspire and foster sustainability leadership throughout every phase of SOI’s educational and professional development programs.

SOI is now recognized globally as a leader in youth engagement, with a legacy focused on changing lives and the world. The vision is executed through passion and action. Learn about our history, evolution and impact in the following 20 Year Impact Report.

View our 20 Year Impact Report

Our Board of Advisors

The SOI Foundation is supported by a committed group of leaders from across the scientific, Indigenous, conservation, media, and business sectors who form our Board of Advisors. Collectively, the Board of Advisors help to further the vision of SOI by providing strategic guidance and supporting the development of new partnerships. We are proud to present the members of our Board of Advisors below.

Meet our Board of Advisors

Our Team

SOI is led by a committed team who are passionate about creating programs and experiences that benefit youth and the planet. We bring together a dynamic group of people with diverse backgrounds and expertise to connect youth to the knowledge, opportunities and support they need to become leaders for a sustainable future.

Meet our Team

Partner With Us

Partnerships are key to the work of the SOI Foundation. The Foundation collaborates with a broad network of Canadian and international partners to build its scholarships program, develop and maintain a world-class roster of educators and engage in a broad range of outreach initiatives, programs and projects.

Learn more