Note: This Scholarship is not open to the general public.
An Outward Bound course is a model for success. Through a series
of very real challenges, students gain confidence and the knowledge
that they can succeed, if only they try. Founded in 1992, the Pinnacle
Scholarship Program provides this opportunity specifically for low-income,
high-potential youth ages 14-18 through financial support, pre-course
guidance and mentoring, and post-course support, community service,
and leadership opportunities. The Program serves those budding leaders
who can benefit most from the kind of empowering experience Outward
Bound provides, but who also have the least possibility of participating
due to social and economic disadvantage. The Pinnacle Program effectively
delivers its objective through partnerships with over forty local
youth-serving agencies. Every Pinnacle Student participates in a
14-, or 22-day Outward Bound course as well as pre- and post-course
mentoring and activities. To date, the Pinnacle Program has served
over one hundred local youth-serving agencies, over 1,500 students
and continues to grow.
At the cornerstone of the Pinnacle Program are our partnerships
with over fifty community-based agencies and schools. Through these partnerships,
Outward Bound Wilderness is able to ensure the selection of deserving,
highly motivated and prepared students. The key to the success of
these partnerships is a commitment to educating the youth-serving
agency to understand and translate the Outward Bound experience
to its participating youth. Each Partnering Organization selects
a staff member to attend a seven day Outward Bound course. In turn,
this staff member selects appropriate students for the Program,
helps to prepare students for their courses, and mentors returning
students on incorporating their Outward Bound experience into their
daily lives.
Pinnacle Semester Course Scholarship
For a growing number of students, their Pinnacle course becomes
a stepping stone into a career in environmental service, education,
or the outdoor industry. It can be difficult for urban youth to gain
exposure to outdoor education; the Pinnacle Program opens this door.
Through opportunities such as the Semester Course Scholarship Program,
we provide further occasion for our students to explore their full
potential and fulfill their dreams. In addition, participation in
the Semester Course can provide college credit. The 81-day Semester
Course builds upon both technical and leadership skills gained on
a standard, 22-day course through the Pinnacle Scholarship Program.
We wish to provide the opportunity for our most exceptional Pinnacle
Scholars to benefit from this kind of intensive outdoor learning
experience. While each student is unique with individual motivations
and goals for pursuing the Semester Course, all candidates for the
Semester Scholarship are extremely self-motivated, passionate about
the outdoors, and committed to giving back to their communities.
All have shown tremendous leadership skills, and the highest potential
for even greater achievements. To date, 28 Pinnacle Alumni have
received Semester Scholarships.
