Boundless Washington
Adventure for ALL.
Expanding Access, Inspiring Adventure.
Boundless Washington is a grant-based program dedicated to expanding access to sports and outdoor activities for youth with disabilities across Washington State. In addition to pursuing their chosen activities, participants also take part in the WSLB Leadership Development Curriculum.
Adventure for ALL
Boundless Washington is a statewide outdoor and sports leadership grant for young people with disabilities. The purpose of the program is twofold:
To facilitate opportunities for young people with disabilities to enjoy and experience the outdoors, and
To inspire young people with disabilities to become leaders in their communities through integrated leadership development training.
Boundless WA was created to remove barriers and expand access to sports and outdoor activities for high school students with disabilities throughout Washington State. We believe that every young person deserves a chance to pursue their passions, gain new skills, and experience the transformative power of the outdoors.
When a student receives a Boundless WA grant they have the opportunity to choose their own path by selecting a sport or activity of their choice that they are interested exploring or learning. Through the Boundless WA grant, participants receive funding support to help cover lessons, adaptive equipment, travel, or other costs. Participants also have the opportunity to grow as leaders through participation in the WSLB Leadership Development Curriculum, which builds skills in advocacy, communication, and leadership.
Applications are accepted year-round. We intend for this process to be as accessible and inclusive as possible, and thus we are happy to make any accommodations necessary to help students apply. If you require any special accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact us at programs@wslb.wa.gov.
If you are interested in applying for the Boundless WA grant, please visit our application page.
History of Boundless WA
Boundless Washington began as an idea sparked in 2017 when Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib heard Erik Weihenmayer — the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest and co-founder of the nonprofit No Barriers — speak about the power of pushing past one’s comfort zone. Inspired by Erik’s message, Lt. Governor Habib envisioned a leadership and outdoor program designed specifically for young people with disabilities.
One year later, after receiving training from Erik Weihenmayer himself, Lt. Governor Habib and several members of the Washington State Leadership Board set out to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Their goal was to raise the seed money needed to launch the program. The team successfully reached the summit and secured the funding to bring Boundless Washington to life.
The Lt. Governor’s Office and the Washington State Leadership Board partnered with two nationally recognized nonprofits: No Barriers, which helped develop the program’s leadership curriculum, and Outdoors for All, which delivered the program’s first outdoor excursions. Together, these organizations created an innovative blend of leadership training and outdoor adventure for students with disabilities.
Throughout 2018 and 2019, the Lt. Governor’s Office championed key legislative changes to secure long-term funding. With the successful passage of SB 5746 and HB 2062, the WSLB was formally charged with expanding educational, sports, leadership, and employment opportunities for youth, veterans, and people with disabilities in Washington State — specifically naming Boundless Washington.
In 2022, the Washington State Leadership Board launched Team S.A.M. (Sports. And. Mentoring), a grant-based sports mentoring program designed to help underserved youth join local sports teams or otherwise participate in sports. The program emphasized goal-setting, collaboration, healthy lifestyles, and educational success through leadership and mentoring.
Meanwhile, Boundless Washington continued to grow as an outdoor leadership program. Students participated in monthly online meetings built around the Leadership Board’s Leadership Development Curriculum — focusing on advocacy, teamwork, accountability, and leadership skills — while also engaging in active group discussions about personal goals. The program encouraged students to challenge the boundaries society often places on them because of their disabilities. Each year culminated in the Boundless WA Summer Adventure, an immersive outdoor experience where participants could test their new skills, bond with peers, and celebrate their accomplishments.
In 2025, the Washington State Leadership Board combined Boundless Washington and Team S.A.M. into a single, reimagined program. This new model gives students the ability to design their own outdoor or sports experience by selecting an activity that excites them and receiving grant funding to make it possible. Today, Boundless Washington supports and encourages student leaders from across the state who are eager to explore the outdoors, challenge themselves, and make their communities more inclusive.
