Our team has returned from Tanzania, eager to share the magical, inspiring, and challenging experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Over the course of a 7-day trek, they hiked 39 miles and gained 16,044 feet of elevation, traversing a variety of ecosystems and climates. Despite blister-covered feet and the physical and mental challenges of high altitude climbing, Jennifer and Chad would do it all over again to raise awareness for Forward Steps’ Guardian Scholars, who work hard to defy the odds every day.
Welcome to Part 2 of our Mount Kilimanjaro climb recap!
(If you missed Part 1, you can catch up here.) The climb continues as we wrap up our fundraising campaign to support new Guardian Scholars for the academic year that began this summer. Read on to learn more amazing details about this once-in-a-lifetime ascent and discover how you can directly uplift the Guardian Scholars.
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Are you planning on attending our annual event on October 17th?
The Different Ecosystems of Kilimanjaro
Jennifer and Chad’s ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro was truly an incredible experience, taking them through five distinct ecosystems over the course of their 7-day trek. Each zone presented its own unique landscape and inhabitants, showcasing the remarkable diversity of Africa’s highest peak.
- Forest Zone: The journey began in a lush, tropical environment. Jennifer describes it as filled with “heavy rainfall” and dense vegetation, where they encountered many playful monkeys swinging through the canopy.
- Heather Zone: As they climbed higher, they entered an area “covered in mist and fog.” This ethereal landscape was dotted with proteas, also known as Sugarbushes – beautiful flowering plants native to South Africa.
- Moorland Zone: The team then experienced a “cool and clear climate” where mornings brought frost, contrasting with intense sunlight during the day. This zone marked a noticeable transition in both temperature and vegetation.
- Alpine Desert Zone: Continuing upward, they entered a “sparse, cold landscape.” Here, the soil became thinner, and plant life grew increasingly scarce, creating a stark contrast to the lush forests they had started in.
- Arctic Zone: Finally, they reached the summit, where they faced harsh arctic conditions, only permitted to stay for 5 minutes due to the extreme altitude.
Each unique ecosystem brought its own set of challenges – a powerful reminder to us and our students that progressing towards our biggest goals takes time and persistence.
Through Jennifer’s Eyes
The Heart of Kilimanjaro: Our Incredible Tanzanian Crew
Our Kilimanjaro expedition was made extraordinary by our amazing team: one Western guide and 38 Tanzanian professionals. This crew of guides, porters, cooks, and camp managers not only led us up the mountain and handled logistics, but they also shared their land and culture with unmatched generosity.
Their spirit was truly inspiring. “Pole, Pole” (slowly, slowly) was the mantra, reminding us that steady progress leads to great heights. The crew’s kindness, expertise, and joyous nature transformed our climb into an unforgettable human experience.
From their warm welcome to the celebratory party they threw upon our return to base, our Tanzanian crew embodied the heart and soul of Kilimanjaro. Their dedication and friendship didn’t just get us to the summit – it gave us memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Jennifer’s Greatest Challenge on Kilimanjaro
Overcoming Adversity, breath by breath
As we ascended Kilimanjaro, I faced an unexpected battle with my exercise-induced asthma. At 14,000 feet, my usual remedies failed me, and each breath became a struggle. This challenge peaked during our summit push, where every step demanded intense focus on my breathing.
I reflected on parallels between this experience and the journey of former foster youth pursuing higher education. Like my unexpected asthma attack, these young adults often encounter unforeseen obstacles that can leave them gasping for air in a world they’re trying to navigate alone.
Just as I relied on the incredible Tanzanian guides who held my hand at times, former foster youth need steady support and guidance. The care I received from our crew mirrors the crucial role of the Forward Steps Guardian Scholars program. Both provide a lifeline when the path seems insurmountable.
This experience reinforced a powerful truth: we don’t accomplish big things alone. Whether it’s reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit or achieving educational goals, success comes through perseverance and the support of those around us. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our dreams.
Help Us Hit the Match: Sponsor a Scholar!
Forward Steps Guardian Scholars are climbing their own mountains every day as they pursue their postsecondary degrees. Just as Jennifer needed support to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit, these resilient young adults need our backing to achieve their educational goals.
Forward Steps is on a mission to raise $120,000 to fully support all 20 new Guardian Scholars joining the program this Fall for the 2024-2025 academic year. Thanks to a generous donor, there’s an exciting opportunity: a $15,000 match will unlock if Forward Steps can raise $15,000 by October 18.
Here’s how supporters can make a difference:
- $6,000 fully supports one scholar for the entire 2024-2025 academic year
- $3,000 sponsors a scholar for one semester
Every contribution, regardless of size, will be doubled thanks to the matching donor. Together, we can ensure our scholars have the resources they need to succeed. Donate now and double your impact! Every step forward, no matter how small, brings these scholars closer to their dreams.
Meet some of Our Current Guardian Scholars:
(Left) As a Forward Steps Guardian Scholar, Matthew graduated from Colorado State University in the spring of 2024 with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and Chemical & Biological Engineering. At current, he is continuing as a Guardian Scholar in a Master’s Engineering program at CSU.
“The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars Program has been instrumental in helping me overcome the challenges of being a college student. Financially, it has enabled me to continue my engineering education, ensuring that my efforts so far weren’t in vain. It’s heartening to know that there are people who care about my education and have welcomed me into an exceptional community. The program’s support extends beyond my bachelor’s degree into my graduate studies, which is truly an honor. Not only has it helped me financially, but it has also fostered my personal growth. Forward Steps gives hope to people like me, showing that a difficult childhood doesn’t define who we are. Instead, our actions today shape our future, and this program has helped me realize that potential.” says Guardian Scholar Matthew.
(Right) Elizabeth is currently part of our Guardian Scholars Program, where she receives guidance and support during her journey as an undergraduate at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
“The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars program has helped me by providing a mentor that has helped me in my education and personal life. Coming from foster care all we seek for is having a supportive system and my mentor gave me that from the start. I feel like without my mentor I wouldn’t be as prepared as I feel. Or feel as good as I do about where I am in my education and personal life.” says Guardian Scholar, Elizabeth.
Support the Forward Steps Guardian Scholars today, and in a few years, you’ll be celebrating their success stories.
Donate now to support students like Matthew and Elizabeth.
Join Us at Our Annual Dinner!
Join us for our annual dinner on Thursday, October 17th, from 5:30–9:30 p.m. at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Touchdown Club. Connect with fellow donors and supporters, hear from our Guardian Scholars, and enjoy a special message from our Executive Director and current Guardian Scholar, Matthew.
It will be a meaningful evening of good company, conversation, and dining for a great cause.
