Life Science Cares Hits the Trails with National Nonprofit Partner Big City Mountaineers
National nonprofit Big City Mountaineers and Life Science Cares partner on Climb for Community
BOSTON (August 11, 2026), Life Science Cares is thrilled to announce that Big City Mountaineers is joining Climb for Community as a key national nonprofit partner, providing guiding and preparation support for the effort. Climb for Community is a physically demanding, purpose-driven challenge for a select group of life science leaders eager to combine impact, camaraderie, and personal challenge. Participants will join one of two hikes, in New Hampshire or Colorado, taking on this unforgettable challenge while collectively working to raise $1,000,000 to fight poverty in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, the Bay Area, San Diego, and beyond.
Big City Mountaineers (BCM) facilitates transformative outdoor experiences that strengthen social-emotional wellbeing, deepen connection to nature, and foster positive youth development. Before connecting with BCM, only 2% of the youth the organization serves had ever been camping. With its focus on social-emotional wellness, connection to nature and stewardship, and positive youth development, BCM was a natural partner for this effort.
Issa’s story is one example of BCM’s impact. When she first arrived at BCM, she was a quiet, sweet, but visibly uncomfortable teenager. Backpacking was new to her, and being far from home was intimidating. On just the second day of her expedition, with tears on her cheeks, she said, “I can’t do this.” But with encouragement, reassurance, and plenty of breaks, she kept going. By summit day, though still nervous, she didn’t give up and slowly, but surely, she made it to the top, smiling radiantly at the view.
On the expedition’s final day, leadership was handed over to the students, and Issa was named navigator. To everyone’s surprise, she moved through the trail’s loose, narrow, exposed sections without hesitation. “Who is this kid?” volunteers whispered from the back of the group. That night, she slept under the stars outside her tent for the first time, something she’d insisted, just days earlier, she’d never do. The experience of setting a goal, working toward it, and proving to herself she could meet a hard challenge gave Issa the confidence she still carries today.
Elizabeth Wiliams, BCM’s executive Director, shared that, “stories like Issa’s are exactly why this work matters. When young people are given the chance to face a real challenge in the outdoors, supported by caring adults, they discover a strength in themselves they can carry into every part of their lives. We’re proud to bring that same spirit of preparation and encouragement to the leaders taking on Climb for Community, and grateful to Life Science Cares for a partnership that extends our impact even further.”
Life Science Cares believes strongly in the power of partnership and building sustainable and impactful relationships with community organizations, and is proud to announce Big City Mountaineers as our first national nonprofit partner. LSC’s goal is always to listen and learn from partners and the communities they serve to help drive long-term solutions to poverty and inequality, and see the mission of BCM as a part of this effort.
“Big City Mountaineers embodies exactly what we look for in a partner, an organization that turns challenge into confidence and potential into achievement. As our Climb for Community participants prepare to take on their own physical and personal challenge this summer, we’re inspired by BCM’s work with young people like Issa, and honored to support it as part of this effort,” shared Sarah MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Life Science Cares.
About Life Science Cares
Life Science Cares activates the financial and human capital of the life sciences industry and partners with nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequality in our communities. Now operating in five life science hubs (Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and New York), LSC has invested $16 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours in community organizations providing access to basic needs, access to education, or access to opportunity. Learn more at https://lifesciencecares.org/.
About Big City Mountaineers (BCM)
Big City Mountaineers is committed to providing transformative experiences through nature that strengthen life skills and build community for youth from disinvested communities. Working in partnership with community-based youth agencies, BCM identifies and breaks down material, social, and psychological barriers to outdoor access, helping program participants connect with themselves, their community, the natural world, and a deep sense of joy. BCM operates youth programs in five major metropolitan areas nationally: Birmingham, AL; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; and Seattle, WA.
To learn more, please visit bigcitymountaineers.org or follow BCM on the following social media platforms:
- Instagram | @big_city_mountaineers
- Facebook | @bigcitymountaineers