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Scholarships & Funding: Making Adventure Accessible

Every young person deserves the chance to discover what they’re capable of, regardless of their family’s financial situation. 

There are multiple pathways to explore scholarship support through Outward Bound. Our team is here to help you navigate the option that best fits your needs.

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Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Thanks to our incredible community of alumni, families, and local donors, we provide thousands of scholarships each year and offer flexible payment options that make our programs accessible to everyone. We believe that challenge and adventure help young people build confidence, empathy, and skills for navigating whatever comes next—and financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of that growth.

Learn More About Access & Belonging
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Need Based Scholarships

Our scholarship program is guided by a simple principle: every person should have the opportunity to experience adventure and challenge, develop character and compassion, and learn leadership skills, regardless of financial ability.

Have Questions? Schedule a Call
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How Scholarships Work:

Awarded based on demonstrated financial need and student motivation.

Offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important: Scholarship funds are limited and vary year to year. We encourage families to apply early and connect with our Customer Success Team to learn about current availability.

Applied toward tuition only, not transportation, gear or travel expenses.

Funded by generous alumni, families, corporations and foundations.

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How to Apply for Scholarships

Outward Bound offers two pathways for families to access scholarship assistance. Our Customer Success Team is here to help you explore one or both options and build a plan that makes an Outward Bound experience possible.

1. Pathway One: Outward Bound National Summit Fund Scholarships

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Schedule a Call with a Specialist to determine Summit Fund eligibility and current availability.

The Summit Fund ensures that access to an Outward Bound course is not limited by a family’s income.

Scholarship funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis. Families are encouraged to reach out early, as funds may not be available throughout the year.

You do not need to have a specific course selected to learn your potential award range.

2. Pathway Two: Regional Outward Bound School Scholarships

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Each Regional Outward Bound School offers its own scholarship funding, made possible by local donors and community partners committed to expanding access to outdoor education.

Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need and student motivation. Award amounts typically range from 10 to 30 percent of tuition.

To apply for regional scholarship assistance:

  1. Apply for your course and submit the $500 deposit, which includes a $150 non refundable application fee
  2. Indicate your interest in applying for a scholarship within the course application
  3. Complete additional scholarship materials sent to you after your application is submitted

Once applications are reviewed, families are notified of their scholarship award. If the amount does not meet your financial need, you may cancel your application and receive a full refund of the $500 deposit.*

*Please Note: The Deposit Refund Policy applies for all other cancellation reasons.

3. Combining National and Regional Scholarships

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Our Customer Success Team can help families explore combining national and regional scholarships to maximize available support. Schedule a Call with a Specialist to determine eligibility and current availability.

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Ready to Get Started?

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Find Your Course & Apply

Have Questions?

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