The Pinnacle Scholarship Program provides full-tuition scholarships, including boots and gear, to attend an Outward Bound wilderness course. This program is open to any motivated youth from under-resourced communities who will be 14-17 years old at course start.

Learn more about the Pinnacle Scholarship Program here.

To be notified of the next Pinnacle course date and when the application period is open, please complete this form.

This is a traditional, classic Outward Bound course, specially designed as an affinity space for People of Color (POC) who are looking for community and connection in outdoor spaces This course is staffed with instructors who reflect the identities of the students.

In an effort to reduce barriers of access, this course has a sliding scale tuition model. If paying the full tuition amount is not within your means, we have funding to support you.

Read about the course and enroll here.

While all Outward Bound courses are inclusive for all identities, we understand the value of affinity spaces, too. This is a traditional Outward Bound expedition for young adults, with an added focus on LGBTQ+ themes.

In an effort to reduce barriers of access, this course has a sliding scale tuition model. If paying the full tuition amount is not within your means, we have funding to support you.

Read about the course and enroll here.

The Youth Leadership Corps is a merit-based scholarship program that focuses on leadership, commitment to service, and character development. The one year program starts with a two week High Sierra expedition that includes rock climbing, backpacking, camping, navigation, and a unique solo experience.

YLC is open to Bay Area high school students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) who want to continue to develop their leadership skills and gain service experience.

All students who apply and are accepted into the program receive a full scholarship to participate.

For more information, visit the YLC page. 

A typical Open Enrollment Scholarship ranges from 10-30% off the tuition cost, and are based on an individual student’s need. This scholarship is offered on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in the fall and continuing as long as we have funds available. 

To Apply:

• Enroll on an Outward Bound California Course and answer “yes” to the question “Do you want to be considered for scholarship?” in the online enrollment form.
• Submit a $500 deposit. This deposit is fully refundable in the event you do not qualify for the scholarship and need to withdraw your enrollment for that reason.
• You will receive a Welcome Email from your Course Advisor that has a link to your Applicant Portal, where you'll find your application materials. Complete the Open Enrollment Scholarship Application by the due date, along with your other application materials. A statement of need and financial documentation, such as 1040 tax forms, will be requested.

After you are medically cleared to attend the course, the OBCA Scholarship Committee will review your scholarship application and send an offer letter. If the offer is not sufficient to meet your needs, we will refund the full $500 deposit.

If you cancel before an offer is made, or if you are unresponsive to communication from your course advisor, you will forfeit the $150 application fee.

To inquire about tuition reduction, please call 415-933-6222 or email: [email protected]

Participants can use their AmeriCorps Education Award to attend an Outward Bound course. Through registration at Western State Colorado University, participants will also receive education credit.

For more information, please visit the Outward Bound AmeriCorps website.

Through partnership with Western Colorado University, Outward Bound participants can utilize a 529 College Saving Plan to fund their course and gain college credit. Please call the Student Services Department of Outward Bound California (415.933.6222) to find out how to use your saving plan. Enrolled applicants will be sent more information in your Applicant Portal. You can find out more on WCU's Outdoor & Experiential Education Program Partnerships website.

Please note, if you enroll within 30 days of course start it is unlikely Western will be able to process your registration in time.

Outward Bound helps thousands of returning service members and recent veterans* readjust to life at home through powerful wilderness courses that draw on the healing benefit of teamwork and challenge through use of the natural world. These courses are fully funded, including travel within the contiguous United States.

For more information, visit Outward Bound's Veterans Expeditions website.

*All applicants to our veterans courses will be asked to verify their service with their DD-214, or deployment documentation for active duty military members.

We offer scholarship to schools and non-profit groups that work with low-income populations looking to expand experiential education. Please review the Group Program Page for more information.

For more information or to inquire about school or group programs, please contact us at [email protected]