Wilderness Scholarship Application

Application deadline: 

• Friday, June 6, 2025 
• After the deadline, applications will still be accepted and students will be placed on a waitlist. 

Dates:  

• Thursday, June 12 - Wednesday, June 18, 2025 (Students must be available for all seven days) 

For questions about the application or if an extension is needed, please contact Alexys J. Woods, Charlotte Program Manager: [email protected], 704.498.4353. 

About the Charlotte Unity Project 

North Carolina Outward Bound School's (NCOBS) Charlotte Unity Project is a wilderness-based high school program with a school-based component that empowers young people to become compassionate leaders of social change through outdoor access, experiential education, and social-emotional learning. 

The Wilderness Course  

The NCOBS Charlotte Unity Project course is a FREE 7-day backpacking and rock-climbing wilderness course (June 12 - June 18, 2025) in western North Carolina for 9-11 grade Charlotte-Mecklenburg students. This program is designed to increase students’ understanding of others’ perspectives while working together to achieve common goals. While on course, students learn technical skills, engage in meaningful conversations around challenging social issues, and are empowered to lead and problem-solve effectively. Included in this award is the cost for the course, gear required, and round-trip transportation. 

The Unity Club  

The Unity Club is an extension of the wilderness course and is open to any student. Students selected for the wilderness course in the Summer are asked to join their Unity Club for the school year. Learnings from the wilderness course continue as students take action to improve their community through service projects. The Unity Club members work together to create two school or community projects that increase awareness and inspire action related to social issues. The requirement to organize at least two projects provides the push and structure for students to translate their ideals into practical activism. 

* Unity Schools: Butler, East Meck, Garinger, Hawthorne, Mallard Creek, Myers Park, South Meck, West Charlotte 

COVID-19 - Safety is our number one priority for all our students and staff. > Learn more about that protocol 

Step 1: Watch the Charlotte Unity Video

View this quick Unity Project video to learn more about this program.

Step 2: Check to see if your school is a Unity School 

To apply, you must be a current 9-11 grade student who attends one of the following Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools:  

• Butler 
• East Meck 
• Garinger 
• Hawthorne 
• Mallard Creek 
• Myers Park 
• South Meck 
• West Charlotte 

*Not a current 9-11 grade student? Is your school not listed? Feel free to apply for our other scholarships:   

• Rufus Dalton Scholar  
• Open Enrollment Scholars 

Step 3: Complete and submit the scholarship application and required paperwork  

The physical, emotional, and psychological safety of students and staff is a foundational priority for Outward Bound. Students must meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria, complete the application and all required paperwork, and be medically cleared by our Medical Examiner before being selected for the Charlotte Unity Project Wilderness Course.  

Please continue to read the remaining steps, then click the link below (Step 6) to start the application process.

For questions, please contact Alexys J. Woods, Charlotte Program Manager: [email protected], 704.498.4353. 

Step 4: Notification

Once students complete the application and all required paperwork and are medically cleared by our Medical Examiner, the Charlotte Program Manager will contact you and your parent/caregiver to schedule a call to review the program and answer any questions. You will then be notified if you've been selected to participate in the Charlotte Unity Course. Once notified, you will receive more details about your departure location, gear, and more!

Step 5: Embark on your Charlotte Unity course

This FREE experience includes round-trip ground transportation and gear items such as hiking bags, tarps, sleeping bags, food, water, rain gear, headlamps, and hiking boots. Awarded recipients will receive more details about the required gear needed.   

You do NOT need any outdoor experience to participate.   

You do NOT have to be an athlete or highly trained to attend this course.   

You DO have to be physically capable and active. Awarded recipients will receive physical preparation suggestions. 

The wilderness course portion of the Unity Project takes place Thursday, June 12 - Wednesday, June 18, 2025. 

Step 6: After the Unity Project Course - Organize and implement your school project   

After students complete their week-long Unity course, each student joins their school's Unity Club during the school year. The goal is to organize and implement two projects that address issues affecting their school and community.   

The Unity Club is led by the school's Unity Advisor and the Unity students with assistance from the Charlotte Program Manager.     

By completing the form below, you are committing to participate in the Charlotte Unity Project. You understand that, if chosen, you will commit to full participation in all aspects of the program, including the wilderness course and the club.  

Please reach out to our Charlotte Program Manager with any questions. Alexys J. Woods, [email protected], 704.498.4353

READY TO APPLY? CLICK HERE AND COMPLETE