The Bootstrap Ranch is a nonprofit residential high-school / ranch program for economically disadvantaged youth ages 14-18. The program features an alternative educational curriculum and "Life Mastery Program" designed to experientially teach youth important life skills ranging from developing self-esteem and responsibility to entrepreneurship and community service. The design of the facilities for the school consists of work on dormitories, the school building including administrative offices for the Bootstrap Program, a dining hall and gymnasium, a recreation building, and a barn. The responsibility expected of the students was extended to the design as the buildings were placed carefully on an ecologically fragile site.