OPEN ARMS FELLOWSHIP

Unique perspectives, shared experiences

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Our Commitment

Inclusion builds strong communities

For the 2024 summer, Overland will offer an Open Arms Leader Fellowship to leaders who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer), from a low-income background, and/or other marginalized identities. This fellowship will provide additional financial support for qualifying leaders as a way to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion among our leader staff.

Our Commitment

Overland is committed to broadening access to its programs for students and leaders alike.

Guiding Principles

Why It Matters

BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people from a low-income background traditionally are under-represented in jobs in the outdoor industry. The Open Arms Leader Fellowship recognizes the need for increased representation and access to jobs for people in these demographics.

Representation matters and makes a difference in the experience of our students and fellow leaders. Our staff should reflect the growing diversity – as it relates to race, ethnicity, gender expression, and sexuality – of our student body and the world we live in.
Socioeconomic status should not be a barrier. Overland needs to do what it can within the framework of our industry to increase access to the outdoors.

Apply today

How it works

Applicants should indicate on their application that they would like to be considered for the Fellowship. Returning leaders will be able to express interest in the Fellowship on their Leader Portal. The Fellowship will be granted on a discretionary basis as part of the leader’s employment package.

The Fellowship includes up to $1,000 in additional financial support. These funds may:

Cover 100% of the cost of travel to and from Williamstown for Leader Training and Closing.
Cover personal gear costs (i.e. hiking boots, a raincoat, a headlamp, etc.) beyond what Overland offers to staff on loan for the summer (i.e. tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack).

Applicants and returning staff can expect to receive detailed information related to the Fellowship in addition to their offer letter and at-will employment contract.