OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
Leadership Academy
A six-month program that includes a dynamic group of 30-35 emerging leaders from the outdoor industry.
About the Leadership Academy
Our exclusive curriculum is specifically designed to empower and enhance your leadership abilities. With a limited class size of 30 to 35 participants, we ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections with like-minded professionals.
By bringing together a vibrant mix of perspectives, we create a dynamic learning space where ideas flourish and innovative solutions are born. Your mentors and our industry-renowned speakers will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential skills, strategic thinking, effective communication, and much more.
Applications are welcomed from individuals with 3-5 years of working experience, outdoor industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and adjacent categories like hunt, fish, run, and more. Please note, you do not have to be currently managing a team to apply.
FAQ
Who is the program designed for?
Applications are welcomed from individuals with 3-5 years of working experience, outdoor industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and adjacent categories like hunt, fish, run and more. (You do not have to be currently managing a team to apply.)
How much does the program cost?
$5,800 programming fees includes: seven-month education and leadership curriculum, overnight orientation food + lodging, and CAMP retreat, food + lodging.
Are there scholarships available?
Our scholarship funding changes from year to year with sponsor support, but our goal is to be able to cover 5-6 full or half scholarships. Scholarships may be awarded based on financial need, equitable access, and merit. Tuition scholarships are typically given to Journalist, Entrepreneur, Nonprofit, and BIPOC candidates.
What is the program schedule and time commitment?
The Leadership Academy is an annual seven month program from April to November. The Academy is a hybrid program that requires virtual attendance for weekly speakers, individual and group coursework, mentorship, in person events, and a capstone project. Most participants spend 8-10 hours per week on program material. The effort and dedication participants put into this program directly influence the value and benefits they receive.
What is the content?
The curriculum includes personal and professional development topics led by industry professionals. Areas of focus include practical leadership tools, diversity equity and inclusion, advocacy, sustainability and personal values. Each week, you will listen, reflect and share about the learning with others in the program. Our primary focus is to guide emerging leaders through lessons that develop important soft skills and ways of thinking about critical issues we face today.
Peer learning is a recurring form of interaction in the first half of the program. The second half involves a non-profit group project where you will be paired with members of your class based on personality profiles.
What are the required in-person events and their dates?
In-person attendance is required for the Overnight Orientation, CAMP Retreat, and the Capstone Presentations and Graduation. Please verify your availability to ensure you can attend each of these essential events. Additionally, participation in all educational modules, group projects, and other activities, along with their prompt completion, is mandatory for graduation. The key dates for required attendance are as follows: the Overnight Orientation on April 15-16, 2025; the CAMP Retreat on July 26-29, 2025; and the Capstone Presentations and Graduation on November 3-6, 2025.
I'm working full time. Can I still do this?
Yes, you can participate in the Leadership Academy while working full-time. However, it’s important to note that the program requires a significant time commitment, including in-person attendance at key events (Overnight Orientation, CAMP Retreat, and Capstone Presentations + Graduation) and the prompt completion of educational modules, group projects, and other activities. We recommend assessing your availability and workload to ensure you can fully engage with the program's requirements and benefit from the experience.
I'm international, can I still participate?
Yes, international participants are welcome to join the Leadership Academy. However, please note that attendance at the in-person events—the Overnight Orientation, CAMP Retreat, and Capstone Presentations + Graduation—is mandatory. International participants must independently organize and fund their travel to these gatherings. If you have any questions or need support in planning, please let us know!
Elizabeth Starnes
The Futurist Project fostered an increased confidence in myself and empowered me to be a catalyst for change in the outdoor industry through mentorship, development and collaboration.
Amelia Arvesen
The Futurist Project taught me the value of working with a team of individuals who bring a diverse set of skills and experiences. We can't be leaders all on our own.
Kaelib TeeGarden
One of the beautiful things about the Futurist Project is that it informed me of the landscape of opportunity in this industry, all the while connecting me with a network of peers that genuinely care about me.
What The Program Offers
BUILD CONNECTIONS
Forge meaningful relationships with fellow classmates who share your love for the great outdoors. Connect, collaborate, and grow together.
MENTORSHIP
Get paired with a seasoned mentor who will guide you every step of the way, providing invaluable insights and expertise throughout the entire program.
IN PERSON EVENTS
These retreats are designed to ignite inspiration, strengthen bonds, and equip you with invaluable skills to drive your career to new heights.
SPEAKER MODULES
Gain access to a wealth of knowledge from industry experts through our weekly speaker modules. Learn about the latest trends, strategies, and best practices from the pros.
CAPSTONE PROJECTS
At the end of our program, participants will have the opportunity to partner with a non-profit organization for their capstone project.
ALUMNI PROGRAM
Join an exclusive network of over 160+ working outdoor industry professionals. Expand your network, seek advice, and unlock exciting career opportunities.
Meet THE 2024 COHORT
Who was in the 2024 Leadership Academy?
Claire Ashworth, Backbone Media
Monika Bach, REI Co-op
Hannah Baker, Hydro Flask
Kyla Basher, Peak Sports
Meguire Broersma, Kodiak Cakes
Eli Fox, Outward Bound California
Nick Gardner, Premiums for the Planet
Junna Gazmen, Osprey Packs
Colby Gould, Altra Running
Nathaniel Holmes, Jayd
Emily Hopican, Charity: Water | Freelance
Miya Howells, Burton Snowboards
Quinn Howes, MiiR
Emma Littmann, Roads Rivers and Trails
Anthony Martinez, SOS Outreach
RyLee McGill, Mountain Hardwear
Alisha McKinney, REI Co-op
Anne Miltenberger, NEMO
Megan Odom, Stio
Ricky Parra, HOKA
Callie Pople, iKamper USA
Kiara Porter, Perpetual Motion Northwest
Madeline Pruneau, Backbone Media
Naomi Rutagarama, Patagonia
Malinda Scheff, Patagonia
Peyton Short, Pack Rat Outdoor Center
Zach Solomon, prAna
Melissa Stump, Brooks Sports, Inc
David Taus, Big City Mountaineers
Dakota Woodworth, Mountain Hardwear
Kanoa Greene
As a Black + Native Hawaiian woman, seeing leaders who look like me in the outdoor industry is rare. Joining The Futurist Program has given me a crucial seat at the table and access to valuable resources, connections, and conversations. This opportunity is helping me succeed as a diverse leader in the industry.nial text
Cody Logan
My mentor gave me a fresh perspective on my own abilities and areas for growth which has been an invaluable asset that I will use the rest of my career. I cannot recommend this program more!
Alli La Pierre
It's remarkable to have made this many deep, lasting, connections with other like-minded individuals who are just endlessly supportive of each other and seeing each other grow both personally and professionally.
APPLICATIONS OPEN December 1st, 2024
2025 Leadership Academy
Industry and community leaders, along with your peers, are seeking someone to drive meaningful change. This program will help you become that catalyst. You’ll be challenged to invest time in personal growth and build deep connections with other participants and guides. We focus on teaching you how to think, not what to think.
Key Dates:
Dec 1 - Applications Launch | Feb 7 - Applications Close | March 7 - Cohort Announced
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