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Community & Leadership
Community & Leadership
Youth Leadership Corps
A free, year-long leadership experience for Bay Area high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
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Designed for Bay Area students ready to lead, YLC blends community service, skill-building, and outdoor expeditions to develop confidence, resilience, and real-world leadership.
The program begins with a 14-day High Sierra backpacking expedition (July 22–August 4, 2026), where students build trust, teamwork, and resilience in the backcountry.
From September 2026 through May 2027, participants apply those skills by designing and leading monthly service projects across the Bay Area — strengthening communication, initiative, and problem-solving throughout the school year.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Youth Leadership Corps are now closed, and all cohort members have been selected.
Interested in YLC 2027–2028? Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort will open in January 2027.
Have you participated in our ropes challenge course at McLaren Park? Contact us at [email protected] to learn about an additional scholarship opportunity for a summer expedition for ropes course alumni.
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Application & Program Overview
Application Process
1. Complete an application. Applications for the 2026–2027 Youth Leadership Corps are now closed, and all cohort members have been selected.
2. Provide one letter of recommendation from someone who isn’t a family member.
3. Get ready for your interview. Interviews take place throughout April.
High Sierra Expedition & Bay Area Service Projects
The 14-day High Sierra expedition runs July 22–August 4 and includes hiking, navigation, and backcountry cooking.
Service projects and meetings take place across the Bay Area. Most locations are accessible by public transit, and we can help arrange transportation for the rest.
YLC Service Project
YLC at the Challenge Course
On an element at the Challenge Course
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FAQs
If you have additional questions, please contact the YLC coordinator.
What makes a strong applicant?
Past YLC students have brought things like creative project ideas, dedication to their community, solid organizational skills, clear communication, and a readiness to challenge themselves.
What is the "Solo" part of the expedition?
The solo happens near the end of the trip. During this time, students spend a period away from both their group and the instructors to have some quiet and personal reflection. Instructors stay close by—just a short walk from solo sites—and check in regularly to provide water, help with any cuts or scrapes, assist with medication, and make sure everyone is doing okay.
The purpose of the solo is to reflect on your experiences during the course, think about what you’ve learned, and take a pause from the pace of the expedition.
Do you need previous backpacking experience to be accepted into the YLC program?
No – you don’t need any prior experience—just be ready to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges.
What happens on a service day?
Each service day has a theme, a community organization to work with, a group intention to focus on, and a discussion at the end to reflect on the day.
Students plan and design service projects in small teams of 2–3. Each project includes three parts: Tone Set (setting the focus and energy for the day), Service Project (the hands-on work), and Reflection (thinking about what you learned and experienced).
What skills can I gain from YLC?
YLC instructors and mentors help students build their understanding of what makes a strong leader. You’ll learn things like SMART goal setting, collaboration, commitment to service, and problem-solving. You’ll practice these skills through real-life experiences that challenge you to rely on your team and think critically about each situation.
What are the requirements to complete YLC?
To complete the program, students need to:
- Attend orientation in June
- Participate in the High Sierra wilderness expedition
- Help plan and lead a group service project
- Have no more than one excused absence from a service project (make-up hours are available)
What opportunities are available after YLC?
After completing the program, you can:
- Attend Outward Bound California events and share your experiences with donors and community supporters
- Receive a letter of recommendation to use for college or job applications
- Join a larger alumni network for mentorship and idea-sharing
- Apply to be a High Sierra intern or a Challenge Course apprentice once you’re eligible.
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For once in my life, I wasn’t judged by what I couldn’t control – my clothes, my knowledge – but by my character.
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