Groundbreaking for Robert Shuman Urban Wilderness Center at Aiken New Tech High School

Cincinnati Public Schools is transforming outdoor education with the groundbreaking of the Robert Shuman Urban Wilderness Center at Aiken New Tech High School. The first of its kind collaboration between the Camping and Education Foundation, Aiken and CPS will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in STEM, woodworking, leadership development and wellness.

The center, located on Aiken’s 61-acre campus with trails connecting to Mt. Airy Forest, will expand outdoor education and career learning for CPS students. Programs will include biweekly after-school sessions, semester-long experiential learning, and one-week internships with local businesses.

Named in honor of Robert Shuman, a longtime Urban Wilderness educator and mentor, the center will also focus on youth mental health and wellness. Since launching in Cincinnati in 2012, Urban Wilderness has served more than 3,000 students annually, working to expand access to nature-based learning for underserved youth.

“Our primary purpose is to create an environment where young people can find themselves and feel understood,” said Roy Shuman, Robert’s father.

By bringing outdoor experiences into students’ everyday lives, the center aims to cultivate skills, confidence and a connection to nature year-round.