Founder of UrbanTrekkers and Experiential Learning

Jim Cummings

Jim believes the best way for young people to discover purpose and meaning is through education and strives to motivate students to engage deeper in learning in all aspects of their lives.

As Director of Experiential Learning at UrbanPromise, Jim Cummings leads the Office of Experiential Learning which seeks to integrate hands-on learning experiences across the organization.

In 2006, at the age of 53, Jim sold his small business and began working at UrbanPromise full time, leading the UrbanTrekkers program and taking students away for multi-day outdoor adventures. This work has expanded to offer additional experiential opportunities, including wooden boat building, environmental education, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Jim graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Economics before serving as a captain in the U.S. Army for several years. Jim seeks to use his own experience to inspire students to develop self-confidence and motivation and achieve success in all they do.