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Step 1:
Watch the Charlotte Unity Project Video
Watch this quick video about the Charlotte Unity Project to learn more about the program.
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Charlotte Unity Project
Wilderness Scholarship Application
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Application Deadline: Sunday, May 3, 2026
After the deadline, applications will still be accepted, and students will be placed on a waitlist.
Program Dates: Thursday, June 18 – Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Students must be available for all seven days.
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 18 – June 24, 2026) 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, Mallard Creek, Myers Park, South Meck, and West Charlotte
What Students Learn During the Wilderness Course
- Leadership skills, communication, and collaboration
- How to navigate conflict and support group cohesion
- Technical outdoor skills (camping, backpacking, cooking, navigation)
- How to embrace challenge, develop resilience, and take healthy risks
- Reflection and journaling to deepen personal insight
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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:
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- Butler
- East Meck
- Garinger
- Mallard Creek
- Myers Park
- South Meck
- West Charlotte
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Step 3:
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 to start the application process.
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.
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 18 – Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Step 6:
After 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.
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