Since the mid-1970s, the
Gates Family Foundation in Denver has helped hundreds of students
and teachers attend Outward Bound courses. The Gates Leadership
Scholarship Program awards outstanding students who have demonstrated
leadership potential and teachers who would like to incorporate
experiential learning techniques into their schools.
Who Can Apply
Gates Leadership Scholarships are awarded to high school juniors
and seniors (going on to college) and college/university students
who have demonstrated leadership potential. There is a maximum age
of 23 for the Gates Leadership Scholarship for youth. Examples of
leadership may include: student government, community service, or
other activities where students demonstrate a determination for
excellence. Youth scholars receive full-tuition scholarships to
attend 22- or 30-day mountaineering courses in the United States.
These courses challenge participants to learn new skills, work as
a team, care for the environment and further develop leadership
skills.
Also eligible are educators who demonstrate an active interest
in transferring the lessons learned through Outward Bound back to
their schools. Teachers must be at least 23 years-old and returning
to teach at the same school from which they applied. Educators are
eligible to attend a 14-day mountaineering course or a 7-day educators'
course, which focuses on bringing the theory and practice of experiential
education into the classroom.
Former Outward Bound scholarship recipients are not eligible. Please
note that the Gates Leadership Scholarship covers tuition only,
and scholars are responsible for the $100 application fee, $100
transport fee, personal transportation, and clothing and boots necessary
for the course.
Please visit the following links for a list of courses
that qualify for the Gates Leadership Scholarship. Applicant must
pick one of these courses to qualify for the Gates Leadership Scholarship.
*** (though this scholarship is based on merit, we do ask that you
complete this form)
A $100 application fee, which is refundable if not selected. You
may mail the completed packet in with a check, or fax the forms
in with a credit card number (Visa or Mastercard).
Answers to Essay
Questions (see below).
At least one letter of recommendation from someone who can attest
to your leadership qualities, experience and/or potential.
Essay Questions
On a separate sheet of paper, please answer the following questions
in a thoughtful manner. Please submit no more than five double-spaced
typewritten pages.
1. Describe the areas in which you have demonstrated leadership.
List your current involvement in academics, extracurricular activities,
community organizations and any other activity that demonstrates
your determination for excellence.
2. Describe how and why you believe an Outward Bound course would
benefit you at this time; include hopes, expectations, short-term
and long-term goals. Discuss how you see a course affecting your
leadership skills.
3. Discuss your ideas on leadership and list the qualities and characteristics
you believe great leaders possess. Share one or more quote(s) on
leadership that have inspired you.
4. Teacher applicants only: Please describe how
your Outward Bound experience will help you affect your school and
classroom.
Please send your complete application to:
Scholarship Awards Coordinator -- Gates Application
Outward Bound Wilderness
910 Jackson Street
Golden, CO 80401
Or Fax it to: Attention Scholarship Awards Coordinator -- 720-497-2341
[Please contact the Scholarship Awards Coordinator at 888-837-5204
(toll free) if you have any questions or email scholarships@outwardbound.org]
