Wilderness Scholarship Application

Application deadline: 

• Early - Sunday, December 17, 2023 
• Regular - Sunday, March 12, 2024 

The wilderness course portion of the Unity Project takes place June 13 - June 19, 2024.

For questions about the application or if an extension is needed, please get in touch with Alexys J. Woods, Charlotte Program Manager: awoods@ncobs.org, 704.498.4353.

About the Charlotte Unity Project 

The NCOBS Charlotte Unity Project course is a FREE 7-day backpacking and rock-climbing wilderness course (June 13 - June 19, 2024) for 9-11 grade Charlotte-Mecklenburg students who attend one following Charlotte-Mecklenburg High Schools: Butler, East Meck, Garinger, Hawthorne, Mallard Creek, Myers Park, South Meck, West Charlotte.   

This FREE course increases students’ understanding of others’ perspectives while working together to achieve common goals. While on course in the Blue Ridge Mountains, students learn technical skills such as navigation, camp craft, and basic backpacking and rock-climbing skills. Students also engage in meaningful conversations around challenging social issues in their school and communities.  

Returning home, they are equipped with the resources and support of their school’s Unity Club to impact their community positively.     

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

Please fill out the Charlotte Unity Project scholarship application below completely. Make sure to complete the short answer questions. Make sure to click the submit button at the end of the application.  

• Notifications about acceptance will be sent at the end of December 2023 (early applications) and March 2024 (regular.)

For questions, please get in touch with Alexys J. Woods, Charlotte Program Manager: awoods@ncobs.org, 704.498.4353.

Step 4: Notification

The Charlotte Program Manager will notify you and your parent/caregiver if you're selected to participate in the Charlotte Unity Course. Once notified, you will receive a personal link to complete more details about your medical paperwork, departure location, gear, and more!  

Students will be notified about acceptance at the end of December 2024 (early applications) and March 2024 (regular.)

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 June 13 - June 19, 2024. 

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 school/community component.