OPEN ARMS COMMUNITY

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Our Values

Inclusion builds strong communities

BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people from a low-income background traditionally are under-represented in jobs in the outdoor industry. Overland 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.

We welcome any leader who aligns with these or any other marginalized identities into our Open Arms Community and invite them to participate in the programs outlined below.

Our Commitment

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

Our Efforts

Open Arms Community Programming

Leaders in our Open Arms Community are invited to participate in the following programming:

Small group mentorship with returning leader staff
Pre-summer online community meetings
Leader Training discussion groups

Additionally, Overland offers an Open Arms Leader Fellowship. This fellowship will provide additional financial support for qualifying leaders as a way to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion among our leader staff.

How it Works

Open Arms Fellowship

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. We do not limit the number of fellowships granted each summer, so we encourage all interested leaders to apply.

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.