The Futurist Project Aims to Build a New Generation of Outdoor Leaders

If you've ever found yourself wishing you could hone certain leadership skills, or bond with other members of the outdoor community, then applying to the Futurist Project may be for you. Founded by the program leader of the OIA Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy, Stasia Walker, and alumni Sablle Scheppmann, Kelsey McGrew, and Carrie Watson, the Futurist Project is a six month program dedicated to building up a new cohort of emerging leaders within the outdoor community.

[Fundraising for The Futurist Project is now live on Indiegogo]

Recognizing the lack of space to collaborate and communicate with likeminded people brought on by the pandemic, the four Futurist Project founders set out to create just that-a program that fosters community, personal development, and professional growth. A mixture of online learning and in-person events (including a 3 night retreat in Utah with lodging and food included), the curriculum will facilitate continuing outdoor education and participants spending more time outside.

Mentorship will be an integral part of the program, with access to personalized feedback and assessments, "campfire conversations" with industry leaders offered monthly, and an overnight retreat (again, food and lodging included) in Colorado for a mentor meet-up.

Launching this year, the Futurist Project will be accepting thirty participants into its first cohort. Applications are open from now until 15 March 2022, with the program kicking off this summer at Outoor Retailer and running through November 2022. Tuition costs $4,000, although discounts, payment plans, and scholarships are available.

If you'd like to support the efforts of the Futurist Project but can't see yourself applying, a fundraiser is now live to help get the program up and running.

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