Foundation Marks a Quarter-Century of Transformative Journeys: Global Alumni Event Commemorates SOI Foundation's Legacy
The Students on Ice (SOI) Foundation, a pioneer in expeditionary education, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022. Over the past quarter-century, the foundation has led the way in providing unique learning experiences to over 4,500 youth and educators from more than 52 countries.
Key upcoming events include the SOI Alumni Summit, a multi-day virtual gathering of alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and engage in dialogue. This virtual summit is part of the initial phase of the anniversary celebrations. In October 2025, an in-person gathering will take place, welcoming alumni, partners, and supporters for an evening of storytelling, celebration, and connection.
The 2025 Arctic expeditions are the centrepiece of SOI's 25th year. These expeditions, endorsed as part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, will see two ships, the MV Polar Prince and the MS Ocean Endeavour, chartered for the journey. The MV Polar Prince will travel through Inuit Nunangat in the Eastern Arctic, while the MS Ocean Endeavour will connect youth to the landscapes and communities of Iceland, Greenland, and northern Canada.
Geoff Green, founder and president of the SOI Foundation, emphasizes that the 25th anniversary is both a reflection on past impact and a commitment to future generations having access to these unique educational experiences. The SOI Foundation's mission remains steadfast: to connect diverse youth with transformative learning experiences in the Polar Regions and beyond, amplifying youth voices and empowering the next generation of leaders.
In addition to these events, the SOI Foundation has launched a new podcast series, The Greatest Classroom on Earth, hosted by Green. The podcast features candid conversations with SOI alumni, with the first five episodes available now on major podcast platforms, and new episodes released monthly.
The SOI Foundation's programs educate, inspire, connect, and empower youth to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a sustainable future. The foundation's network is driving positive change in ocean conservation, climate action, and Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives.
For more information about the SOI Foundation and its upcoming events, visit soifoundation.org. As the foundation looks towards the future, it continues to inspire youth through polar and environmental exploration, fostering leadership and collaboration across cultures and disciplines.
[1] SOI Foundation Press Release, 2022 [3] SOI Foundation Annual Report, 2021
- The SOI Foundation, a pioneer in expeditionary education, is using online education, such as the new podcast series The Greatest Classroom on Earth, to reach a broader audience and share stories about climate-change and environmental-science during its 25th anniversary year.
- Jeff Green, the founder and president of the SOI Foundation, explains that the 25th anniversary is not only a reflection on past impact but also a commitment to providing ongoing environmental-education to future generations, specifically through the upcoming 2025 Arctic expeditions.
- As part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the upcoming 2025 Arctic expeditions led by the SOI Foundation are aimed at educating youth about the importance of marine conservation, climate-change, and Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives, using science as a foundation for creating a sustainable future.
