Leadership Program
Applications are open for Summer 2026 Leadership Program!
The Summer Leadership Program is an 8-week paid training experience for young adults (ages 16 – 21) living in or around San Diego. Through daily workshops and outdoor training experiences, participants learn and develop the skills needed to become leaders within the outdoor industry as well as within their own communities. This program has a focus on workforce development, civic engagement, and outdoor industry skills. Participants who are accepted into the program have the opportunity to make $1,500 in stipends upon completion of the program.
outdoor skills
leadership
public speaking
Resume building
what is the leadership program?
The Leadership Program is a paid training experience for young adults (ages 16 – 21) living in or around San Diego. Through daily workshops and outdoor training experiences, participants learn and develop the skills needed to become leaders within the outdoor industry as we as within their own communities. This program focuses on workforce development, civic engagement, and outdoor industry skills. Participants who are accepted into the program have the opportunity to earn $1,500 in stipends.
Still have questions?
Contact Santos, the Senior Youth Programs Coordinator santos.plaza@outdooroutreach.org (619) 238-5790 ext. 111
*Please take a look at all the dates for your session below to be sure they align with your schedule. If your availability no longer aligns with our program at any time, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer your space to waiting applicants.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
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LEADERSHIP PROGRAM SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN:
Program Dates: June 15, 2026 – August 7, 2026
Weekly Schedule: 5 days per week, Monday through Friday
Daily Hours: 5 – 8 hrs. per program day (excluding overnight trips)
Total Program Hours: 300+
Overnight Program Dates:
– Surfing Overnight: July 9 – 10, 2026
– Backpacking Overnight: July 27 – 31, 2026
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Leadership Program?
The Leadership Program is a paid training experience for young adults (ages 16 – 21) living in or around San Diego. Through daily workshops and outdoor training experiences, participants learn and develop the skills needed to become leaders within the outdoor industry as well as within their own communities. This program has a focus on workforce development, civic engagement, and outdoor industry skills. Participants who are accepted into the program have the opportunity to make up to $1,500 in stipends upon completion of the program
What does it mean to be a Leadership Participant?
The Leadership program participants are held to the expectations of a professional in the outdoor industry. Participants will be actively working towards learning and developing outdoor industry and workforce skills. Participants are expected to demonstrate sound risk management decision making, arrive to meetings on time, communicate in a timely and effective manner, respect fellow students and staff, model professionalism, and further the vision and mission of Outdoor Outreach through active participation.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Santos at santos.plaza@outdooroutreach.org or (619) 238-5790 ext. 109
