SSC Summer Programs

The SSC's Student Environmental Leadership Trainings, led by the nation's top student organizers, are week-long sessions where you'll learn to develop effective groups and tackle serious environmental issues. By the end of the week, you'll be prepared to take what you have learned and put it into action on campus and in your community!


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2008 Locations (click icons to learn more)

Here's what you'll learn:

  • ORGANIZING 101: How to start and run an effective organization. We cover everything from recruitment, to running a meeting, to developing new leaders to ensure that your organization continues once you graduate.
  • CAMPAIGN PLANNING: How to plan, implement, and run an effective environmental campaign. We use the Sierra Club Matrix to teach the most essential skills needed to effect real change.
  • COMMUNICATION SKILLS: How to define your message and get it across confidently and persuasively to the media, to fellow group members, and to the public.
  • GUEST SPEAKERS: You'll see and meet some amazing special guests-- Sierra Club experts and other speakers from organizations leading the national environmental movement. They'll brief you on today's most critical environmental issues and leave time for debate and discussion.

Of course, the program isn't all work and no play. In addition to the main focus of the program, you can expect to enjoy:

  • The beautiful surroundings of a serene state park
  • Hikes, games, and energizing evening activities
  • Delicious vegetarian cooking
  • The company and friendship of like-minded students

Once you're back at school, you and the other great student activists you've met will be prepared to tackle serious environmental and social justice issues. . .and win!

Cost

The subsidized cost of the program is set up on a sliding scale, from $150-200* (please pay what you can afford). This covers tuition, room and board, and local transportation to and from the site, and all the benefits of being a member of the Sierra Club, including the award-winning Sierra Magazine.

++Special Group Rate: $480 for 4 people/ $400 for 3 people++

Refund Policy: Full refunds will be available until 3 weeks before each program if you are unable to attend. A 50% refund will be available up until 2 weeks before the program and no refund after 1 week before the program.

Scholarships: Don't let money concerns keep you from applying and attending. If you require financial assistance, please contact us at 888-JOIN-SSC for scholarship information.

*There is no tuition fee for the Los Angeles, New Mexico, or Puerto Rico programs due to a partnership with the Building Bridges to the Outdoors project of the Sierra Club. However, these programs give preference to local and minority youth.

Register online!

...in 3 Easy Steps:

  1. REGISTER ONLINE: Click on the program for which you wish to apply (see links in right sidebar) Complete the registration form that loads when you click. We strongly encourage you to attend the program nearest where you live or go to school to meet and network with other students in your region and to minimize carbon emissions due to travel. Please DO NOT apply to more than one program, if the program you apply to is full, we will contact you about attending an alternate program or we can put you on a waiting list.
  2. Download and complete the Sprog Forms. Note that these are IN ADDITION to the on-line form from step 1. Mail or fax forms, per information below. If applying as a group to take advantage of our special group rates, please submit forms and payment for all members of the group together.
  3. Send tuition check (or scholarship application form). We hope to have on-line payment running by the second week of April, but do not currently have it available. We review scholarship applications once a week and will notify you as soon as we've reviewed your application. If you are applying for a travel scholarship, please note we have limited funds, so we cannot grant travel scholarships to attend distant programs if you are able to attend a closer program.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 31st (or until programs are full). Space is limited, so apply early! Preference will be given to those who have completed all 3 steps listed above. We will notify you within a week of receiving your complete application (meaning all 3 steps completed).

Submit forms by fax or mail and make checks payable to "Sierra Student Coalition"

Jon Barrows, Trainings Director

Sierra Student Coalition
408 C St. NE
Washington, DC 20002


Phone: 202-548-4592
Fax: 202-637-0410