The Pinnacle Scholarship Program
The Pinnacle Scholarship Program provides full-tuition scholarships for motivated teens, ages 14-17, to attend an Outward Bound California backpacking and rock climbing expedition. These scholarships are available to applicants who can demonstrate financial need, and would not be able to enroll without a scholarship.
The program reflects Outward Bound California's vision to provide transformational outdoor experiences for students from economically vulnerable communities and communities of color, regardless of their ability to pay.
If you want more information about the program, please contact Matt Abella Richter, Student Services Associate and Course Advisor at [email protected].
Expedition Details
Course dates: June 29th - July 12th, 2025
Meeting Location: Fresno Airport, the expedition will take place in the stunning and majestic High Sierra mountains!
Activities: Alpine Backpacking and Rock Climbing
Scholarship Includes: Course tuition, transportation stipend, some gear to borrow, and boots to keep!
Essential Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet key physical and mental requirements to participate safely and fully in the program
Pinnacle Additional Information
For Scholars - Course Info, Preparation, Packing List and Travel
- Course Overview
- Preparing for Course - Expectations, Physical & Mental Preparation, Personal Care, etc.
- Packing List
- Travel Information. Pinnacle scholars are eligible for a $300 stipend to cover travel costs. Please save receipts, and after course submit to [email protected] for reimbursement.
- Please do not purchase gear or make travel arrangements until you have been medically approved for course and your course has been confirmed.
For Mentors - How to Support Your Scholar
- Mentors support students through the application process and help them to prepare for their course. A mentor can be a school counselor, teacher, coach, community leader or other youth advocate.
- Talk about expectations and assist with the initial application. Outward Bound California asks students to come prepared to put forth their best effort, try new activities, work as part of a group, and follow instructions. All Pinnacle applicants should be personally invested and engaged from the day they submit the application through the entirety of the course and its follow-up.
- Help students get mentally and physically prepared. Review our Attending Outward Bound Page and Physical Prep Guide for information and support your scholar in making a training plan.
- Organize/obtain gear. Pinnacle scholars can borrow most of the clothing they need for the course. Please review the Packing List together, and work with them to ensure they have the personal items required.
- Coordinate travel. Once students are medically cleared and the course is confirmed, they need to arrange travel and cover any costs incurred in getting to and from the Fresno Airport. We can provide a travel stipend up to $300. Please assist your scholar in coordinating this.
All Other Scholarship Opportunities
Support Transformational Experiences
If you want to fund these experiences, please contact Leslie Velez, Development of Advancement, at [email protected] or make a gift designated to "Scholarship" programs.
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