Through May 29 the First Ascent Youth Leadership program is accepting applications for its free, week-long course at Colorado Mountain College’s campus in Leadville.
This is the 21st year of the program, which is an outdoor experiential course for students entering ninth, 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2015. Dates this year run from Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 11.
First Ascent teaches leadership, problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and communication. Students live at Colorado Mountain College’s residential halls in Leadville, and build self-esteem through new challenges such as rock climbing, summiting Mount Elbert and rafting the Arkansas River.
“This program has empowered hundreds of students to become actively involved in their school, community and family,” said Yesenia Arreola, youth outreach coordinator for Colorado Mountain College.
This year, the program will accept 35 students who show potential to be leaders and successful students. Counselors and staff are former graduates of the program, and students completing First Ascent can return to work as staff during future summers.
“Thanks to the generosity of El Pomar Foundation’s Northwest Regional Council through its Reach Your Peak Program, this year we are doubling the number of participants in the program,” said Arreola. Students who have participated in a Reach Your Peak Middle School Summer Camp get priority admission into the First Ascent Program, since their participation is sponsored by El Pomar Foundation.
Also new this year will be a focus on career preparation, by encouraging students to think about how the skills they learn in the program are vital for careers and postsecondary education. Colorado Mountain College’s career services director, Kirsten Gauthier-Newberry, will host a session about this topic on the first day.
First Ascent is available to students living in eight counties: Chaffee, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Lake, Pitkin, Routt and Summit. Participant applications and optional recommendations from a counselor or teacher or other adult are due May 29.
For more information and to apply, go to coloradomtn.edu/firstascent or contact Arreola at 970-947-8357 or yarreola@coloradomtn.edu.