Outdoor Equity and Mental Health: A Pathway to Healing for Underrepresented Students

Clifton H. Harcum Sr.The intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and outdoor recreation is not just about representation, it is about healing, empowerment, and resilience. As universities across the country grapple with the global mental health crisis, particularly among students from underrepresented backgrounds, integrating outdoor experiences into student support programs has become a powerful tool for mental well-being and personal development. My work in this space, through initiatives like the Live Now! movement and university-led adventure programs, has demonstrated the transformative impact of nature-based experiences on students’ mental and emotional health.

Addressing the mental health crisis through outdoor equity

The mental health crisis in higher education is a growing concern. Students of color, first-generation students, and those from low-income backgrounds often face unique stressors, including cultural isolation, financial burdens, and systemic barriers to success. While universities provide counseling services, there is increasing recognition that nature-based interventions can offer a powerful complement to traditional mental health support.

My work has focused on creating access to outdoor spaces for students who have historically been excluded from these environments. Through programs like alternative spring breaks, adventure retreats, and structured outdoor leadership experiences, we provide students with a therapeutic outlet that supports their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Many students in these programs have shared that the opportunity to disconnect from urban and academic stressors, engage in physical movement, and experience natural beauty has significantly improved their outlook on life. One participant in our Adirondack retreat expressed,

“This trip gave me a chance to breathe. I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I was here.”

For students from underrepresented communities, particularly those who face intergenerational stressors and daily microaggressions, these moments of respite are critical for mental resilience.