Learn, Collaborate, Connect!

Centred Outdoors is committed to making nature more accessible and inclusive for all, especially emerging leaders. Our scholarship program provides diverse individuals of our community with resources and funding to participate in nationally recognized training, workshops, and conferences. By lowering barriers to outdoor-related fields, we aim to support a diverse group of changemakers in environmental stewardship, education, and conservation. Representation in the outdoors is crucial—it shapes our perceptions of who belongs and what they can achieve, fostering a broader sense of comfort and belonging for all. 

The Outdoor Leadership Cohort is one way Centred Outdoors promotes diversity and equity in central Pennsylvania and encourages other organizations to do the same. Accessible outings increase racial, ethnic, gender, economic, and cultural diversity in the outdoors, improving community health, fostering mutual appreciation, and advancing inclusive conservation efforts. A diverse ecosystem is a thriving one and we welcome you to join us in this effort!

The Outdoor Leadership Cohort scholarship program is made possible through the generous funding of the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

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Program Information and How to Apply

training & certifications you'll receive

Develop leadership and technical skills 
Receive guidance and mentorship on your own Individual Leadership Project 
Receive a training stipend to be certified in Leave No Trace, Wilderness First Aid, and additional relevant trainings, certifications, or conferences that support your personal goals as a leader in the outdoors
Build connections with local and statewide networks

2025 program elements and timeline

Meetings

May 20: Welcome Orientation

June 17: Individual Project Introduction

July 15: Facilitated Dialogue Session I with Centred Outdoors DEI coach

August 19: Facilitated Dialogue Session II with Centred Outdoors DEI coach

September: Individual project check-ins

October 16: Reflection and Debrief

Certifications

Attend a Virtual 16-hour Leave No Trace Instructor 1 certification course: June-October options
Attend an in-person 16-hour Wilderness First Aid certification course: TBD
Addtional Certifications: Register and attend certification or trainings of your choice using allotted stipend. Options may include Certified Interpretive Guide, Leave No Trace Instructor 2, Wilderness First Responder (offered through several companies), Project Learning Tree, and more!

cost, eligibility,and how to apply

No cost: There is no cost to join the outdoor leadership cohort. All fees, certifications, workshops, or conferences you choose to attend are covered fully by Centred Outdoors.

Eligibility: Individuals with a desire to pursue their interests in the field of environmental education and interpretation are encouraged to apply. Individuals who identify as a person of color, a member of a historically marginalized community, and/or as having a diverse cultural or social background or perspective are encouraged to apply.

Apply: Please fill out our online application. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2025. Candidate interviews will occur in April; acceptance offers will be sent by or before April 18.

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application period Now open through march 31

View Application

If you'd like to learn more about the outdoor leadership cohort or have any questions about this program:

Email: info@centredoutdoors.org

or call 814-237-0400

and a member of the team will contact you as soon as possible!

Thank you for your interest!

“Through this cohort, I gained new perspectives from the other cohort members, met new professionals in my community, and gained new skills related to hosting outdoor programming.”

“I think my most valuable takeaway for me is feeling a stronger connection to members in my community.”

“The trainings were by far the best part. The Leave No Trace training was awesome and will be super useful in the future. But the First Aid training was phenomenal. Instructors were top notch. The best class, training I ever had.”

2024 Cohort

Meet our 2024 Outdoor Leadership Cohort!

Greenville, NC

chasity hughes

My name is Chasity Hughes and I am from Greenville, North Carolina. I'm a first-year PhD student in the department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management at Penn State and work as a graduate assistant. My main responsibility is co-teaching a class that focuses on inclusive leisure services and programs for underrepresented groups. My research centers on positive youth development, particularly focusing on Black youth in public recreation facilities and parks. Additionally, I focus on tourism sustainability as a means of economic growth for rural areas. I am excited to join this cohort to connect with the community, collaborate with peers, and advocate for accessibility in outdoor spaces. I also look forward to furthering my knowledge on conservation efforts through the training provided.

State College, PA

mary krupa

Born and raised in State College, Mary is a lifelong "bird nerd" and nature lover who dreams of someday working in the zoo or wildlife conservation field. She graduated from Penn State in 2016 with a Bachelor's in English, a minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, and a reputation as the campus squirrel whisperer. Currently, Mary works as a part-time Conservation Interpreter at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, one of her favorite places. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to network, gain new skills, and jumpstart her conservation career through the Outdoor Leadership Cohort. In her free time, Mary enjoys birdwatching and nature photography and is rarely seen without her camera.

Bellefonte, PA

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is an avid hiker and camper and hopes to become a weekend backpacker. She worked at Penn State Outreach Marketing for 25 years, serving adult learners seeking a degree and PBS and NPR Members. She is looking to build on her experience with PBS Kids’ events to encourage kids and their parents to learn how to confidently enjoy trails and nature. A Penn State alumna, Laura lives in Bellefonte, Pa. with her husband, Greg, three dogs, and an orange tabby cat.

China, PSU International Student

Miaomiao Wei

Hello, I’m Miaomiao (Meow Meow)! I am a current master student in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Penn State University, where I conduct research on national and urban parks, technological innovations in the outdoor recreations, and the utilization of big data for tourism and recreations. Outside of academia, I have a deep passion for nature and engage in various sports activities like badminton and roller skating. Additionally, I'm a skilled player of the Chinese Zither, a traditional instrument with a rich history over 1,000 years. I'm eager to connect with more people who share similar interests in nature, outdoor recreation, and environmental education. Being part of this cohort program, I hope to meet new friends and exchange insights with cohorts from diverse cultural backgrounds!