The Futurist Project’s Leadership Institute Launches Today – Applications Now Live

January 25, 2022

The Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy program founder and dedicated alumni join forces to launch a new program in 2022. The fundraising campaign and applications for the new cohort launch today

(Jan 25, 2022, Denver, Colorado) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – For everyone, the pandemic has been a time of major shifts. Perhaps now more than ever, the outdoor industry (and allied) employees are in need of community, encouragement and an environment that fosters growth and connection. Three graduates of the OIA Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy and original program founder recognized this need and decided to create a program to prepare a new cohort of emerging leaders. The aim is to create a space for collaboration, education and community as they process the issues of today and the impacts on tomorrow.

Enter Sablle Scheppmann (chair of the alumni board at the time), Kelsey McGrew, Carrie Watson, and FLA program founder Stasia Walker, who decided to take action. The women formed The Futurist Project LLC and began to imagine a program that could meet this need in their communities and beyond.

“The original program started as a grassroots movement where emerging leaders wanted to grow together. With generous support from OIA, we created an amazing program that impacted a lot of young leaders – many of whom have gone on to change the outdoor industry for the better,” said founder Stasia Raines Walker. “In a similar spirit, The Futurist Project’s Leadership Institute will provide relevant and timely opportunities to a new generation of young leaders.”

The Futurist Project’s Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for the new cohort, kicking off this Summer at Outdoor Retailer and running through November. The institute will facilitate participants spending more time outside, camping and experiencing the outdoors in a way that celebrates  the shared passions of our industry. The six-month endeavor will focus on leadership development, personal reflection, and stewardship. Mentorship will be an integral part, along with two in-person multiday “camp” events. The Leadership Institute will include a summative project aimed at supporting industry-relevant nonprofits. Most significantly, participants will be invited to join a network of engaged, like-minded professionals who are eager to lock arms with their peers in becoming changemakers.

The 2022 Futurist Project’s Leadership Institute will select 30 participants for the first year. Tuition for the program is  $4,000 with discounts, scholarships and payment plans available to help encourage smaller brands and businesses to participate. Applications are live now and will close March 15, 2022.

Today, The Futurist Project launched a fundraiser so others who are compelled by the mission can invest. The campaign (which has $4000 in early patronization on Indiegogo), will support the program kick-off and operations as the women volunteer their time and get the program up and running.)

To apply for The Futurist Project Institute visit www.thefuturistproject.com/

To donate to the program visit https://igg.me/at/thefuturistproject

For media inquiries or questions about the program please contact hello@thefuturistproject.com

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