The Pinnacle Scholarship Program is Outward Bound’s signature scholarship program, founded in California in 1992. The program provides full-tuition scholarships for highly motivated youth from under-resourced communities to attend an Outward Bound wilderness course. 

After a competitive application process, participants embark on a 10 to 24-day summer wilderness course in the High Sierra. After the course, each scholar will have a 6-month follow-up survey or phone call to discuss the course experience and how the skills and experiences have transferred home.

Current partners of Outward Bound California may nominate highly-motivated youth from their schools or organizations to become a Pinnacle Scholar. Youth are then required to fill out an application form.

Learn more about the Pinnacle Scholarship Program here. 

The Youth Leadership Corps is a one year leadership and service focused program that starts with a 12-day expedition including rock climbing, backpacking, camping, navigation, and a unique solo experience.

It 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. 

Veteran Benefits

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.

For more information, visit OUTWARD BOUND FOR VETERANS

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

Individual Students Awards – Tuition Reduction

Typical awards range from 10 – 30% off of tuition prices and are based on an individual student’s need. Tuition reduction 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

• Fill Out Enrollment Form
• Answer “yes” to the question “Do you want to be considered for financial aid?” in the payment section of the online enrollment form.
• Submit a $500 Deposit, this deposit is fully refundable in the event you do not qualify for Tuition Reduction and need to withdraw your enrollment

After applying, you will receive an enrollment email from your course advisor including a link to the Tuition Reduction Application.  Please submit this form along with your course application. Documentation including 1040 tax forms and a statement of need will be requested. If you are accepted onto the course, we will review your 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 enrollment fee.

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

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

For more information or to inquire about school or group programs, please contact Eli Fox at [email protected] or 415-316-0564

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 siteAMERICORPS EDUCATION AWARDS

Through Western Colorado University, Outward Bound California 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.

You can also download this info sheet (PDF) for details: 529 College Saving Plan Info Sheet