Week-long First Ascent Youth Leadership enrolling students now
The First Ascent Youth Leadership program is now accepting applications for its free, week-long course at Colorado Mountain College’s campus in Leadville.
This is the 20th anniversary of the program, which is an outdoor experiential course for students entering 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2014. Dates this year run from Sunday, June 22, through Thursday, June 26.
First Ascent teaches leadership, problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and communication. Students live at CMC’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 year, the program will accept 20 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.
The program is available to students living in eight counties: Chaffee, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Lake, Pitkin, Routt and Summit. Participant applications and required recommendations from a counselor or teacher or other adult are due May 30.
For more information and to apply, go to coloradomtn.edu/academics/college_prep/first_ascent/ or contact First Ascent Leadership Program Director Paul Edwards at 970-947-8329, pedwards@coloradomtn.edu.