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News + Events   >  We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Wilderness Fund Scholarship!

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Wilderness Fund Scholarship!

01.01.24

We are now accepting applications for our 2024 Wilderness Fund Scholarship!

The Wilderness Fund Offers Students an Experience of a Lifetime!


WHAT IS THE SCHOLARSHIP? The scholarship provides the full tuition cost plus travel expenses* for a student to participate in an Outward Bound program, the leading provider of outdoor education programs that allow young people to explore their personal potential.

Expeditions include backpacking trips, mountaineering trips, white rafting trips, canoeing trips, dog sledding expeditions, sailing trips and many other offerings.

*Scholarship award up to $5000 is paid directly to Outward Bound to cover cost of the trip. Additional $1,000 reimbursement of travel and related expenses will be paid to recipient upon submission of verifiable receipts.

WHEN ARE THE EXPEDITIONS? Upon receiving a scholarship, awardees will have the opportunity to choose an expedition and experience that works best for them. Most expeditions take place in the summer between the first week of June and third week of August, and typically run for 4-15 days depending on the chosen course.

View the Outward Bound Expedition Catalogue


WHO CAN APPLY? Students in grades 9-12 from Scranton, West Scranton, Riverside, Old Forge, Mid Valley and Valley View high schools are eligible to apply for this unique opportunity.


HOW TO APPLY? Applications are accepted via our online scholarship portal from now until February 25, 2024. Interested students can create an account and start an application via the “Apply Now” button below.

Apply Now


“This trip was amazing! I was able to meet new people and learn about their culture and part of the world. I know where my strengths lie.” – 2020 Wilderness Fund Scholarship Recipient



The Wilderness Fund was established in 1998 by an anonymous donor with the belief that all children need the opportunity to see the world, explore nature, and discover themselves along the way. Every year since its creation, the fund has provided several students with a scholarship to participate in the Outward Bound program.


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OUTWARD BOUND EXPERIENCE: www.outwardbound.org

To learn more about this opportunity please contact info@safdn.org at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.