The Outward Bound California Tuition Reduction Program is guided by a single principle:
Every person should have the opportunity to experience adventure and challenge, develop character and compassion, and learn leadership skills and service ethics.
We are intentional in our efforts to bring together diverse groups of students, including reducing an economic barrier of access. Outward Bound California firmly believes that a diverse student population encourages the cultural competency and teamwork skills that enable participants to become principled leaders. Therefore, we seek to try to decrease financial barriers of entry to courses - on group courses through partner organization, tuition reduction on individual courses and other programs like the Youth Leadership Corps and Pinnacle Programs. You can read more about these opportunities below.
Thanks to generous donations from alumni, parents, corporations, foundations and others, 2/3 of participants of Outward Bound California receive tuition assistance and are, therefore, able to attend course.
Scholarship Types
LGBTQ+ Youth Wilderness Expedition Scholarship
We are offering one full-tuition scholarship for our 14-day backpacking course for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 14-17). Students should expect a traditional Outward Bound course, where you’ll learn technical skills and take responsibility for daily activities, while also developing relationships and building community with other LGBTQ+ youth.
Applicants who are not awarded this scholarship or do not qualify for the full scholarship are welcome to apply for Tuition Reduction after enrolling on the course. More information on how to apply under the "Individual Student Awards - Tuition Reduction" section below.
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.
Youth Leadership Corps
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.
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..
**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
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.
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]
Group Programs
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
AmeriCorps Awards
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.
Through Western State 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. Or after you register for a course, complete the following steps through WSCU.