Tidelines Institute

Our mission is to educate a diverse generation of citizens, stewards, and leaders through immersive courses in the communities and wildlands of S’íx’ Tlein (Icy Strait) and Sít’ Eeti Gheeyí (Glacier Bay).

We explore our home through the liberal arts and scientific inquiry, hands-on work and sustainable harvest, community events, hiking and paddling, and honoring Tlingit culture and values.

Discovering lifeways both innovative and ancient, we learn to serve and lead, to heal and connect, and to tackle timeless questions and urgent global challenges.

We are an educational non-profit located in a beautiful small town in rural Alaska. We offer four types of programming at two locations, our headquarters campus in Gustavus, and our field campus out on the Inian Islands.

Glacier Bay Semester. The Glacier Bay Semester is a four-month gap year experience for young people ages 18-23. Focused around the three pillars of academics, labor, and self-governance, the Glacier Bay Semester immerses students in the rhythms of Alaskan lifeways while earning college credit.

Short Courses. Run in collaboration with colleges, universities, high schools, and nonprofits, Tidelines Institute short courses welcome visiting student groups for 1-3 week intensive courses at our Inian Islands and Gustavus campuses. We always look forward to hearing from prospective partners! Learn more.

Community Workshops. For locals and visitors to the town of Gustavus, Tidelines Institute offers weekend workshops that teach valuable Alaskan skills. From Wilderness First Aid to food preservation, our workshops provide opportunities for community members to both learn and teach.

Scientific Research. Our twin campuses in Gustavus and on the Inian Islands make an ideal home base for researchers studying this dynamic region. Each year we welcome scientists from across the disciplines to use our facilities as they conduct their research.