OUR PROGRAM
The C5 Program is a comprehensive five-year youth development program that empowers young individuals from under-resourced communities to realize their full potential as leaders and change makers. Through a combination of outdoor adventures, leadership training, career exploration and college access programming, mentorship, and community service, the Association of C5 Programs provides participants with the skills, support, and opportunities needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. With a focus on fostering self-awareness, self-confidence, and social responsibility, the C5 program equips youth with the tools to overcome challenges, navigate life's complexities, and become leaders of tomorrow.
OUR SELECTION PROCESS
The C5 selection across all four sites includes a rigorous and competitive process that includes nominations, applications, letters of recommendations, interviews and evaluations. C5 seeks students who are high-potential, not necessarily straight A students, but ones who are challenge-ready and with our support can reach their highest potential. With approximately 80% of the students in our program being the first in their families to attend college, our goal is to prepare them to have equitable opportunities to achieve success regardless of their background, community, or life circumstances.
OUR CURRICULUM
Flint Year
LEARNING TO LEAD MYSELF
This first year begins with a 25-day experience at our residential camps is where the leaders engage in experiences that emphasize positive relationships, overcoming challenges, managing conflict, and community involvement. Throughout the school year, C5 Leaders participate in additional weekend programming, volunteer in community service activities and carry out their personal leadership plan.
LANTERN YEAR
LEARNING TO LEAD OTHERS
As second year leaders in the program, teens will spend another 25-days at residential camp where focus will be on leading others and working effectively in groups, developing communication skills, the ethics of leadership, public speaking, and group dynamics. During the school year, programming continues with weekend activities, community service and events.
hammer Year
EXPANDING MY HORIZONS
Rising 10th graders put their leadership skills to the test during the NOLS C5 Bridges Leadership Expedition. It during this week-long backcountry trek with the National Outdoor Leadership School, that our leaders are challenged to make decisions, solve problems, and work together effectively throughout an intense and rewarding experience to "bridge" their leadership skill development to the real-world challenges that lie ahead. Over the course of the school year, volunteer hours are performed, weekend programming continues and plans are made for upcoming college campus tours.
COMPASS YEAR
EXPLORING MY FUTURE
Rising 11th graders move away from the outdoor camp experience and explore choices for post-secondary education and career opportunities. C5 Leaders plan and embark on a week-long college campus tour highlighting a variety of public and private schools, experiencing life on campus, and beginning to process the understanding of the post-secondary options on their horizon. Over the course of the school year, they participate in community service, visit additional colleges, explore career opportunities, and meet with C5 staff to begin post-secondary planning.
medallion Year
ENGAGING MY COMMUNITY
Rising 12th graders focus on community action and advocacy as they plan and lead their own A.C.T. Now Summit. The Summit , a one-week experience on the campus of a local college, is an opportunity for C5 Leaders to choose and explore an issue affecting their community, understand root causes, meet with people and organizations working to tackle the issue, and use their own voices in Actively Changing Tomorrow (A.C.T.). During this school year, community service continues, post-secondary planning meetings are held with our C5 Leaders providing support for college applications, financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
