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 changemakers. Through a combination of outdoor adventures, leadership training, career and college exploration, mentorship, and community service, C5 provides participants with the skills, support, and opportunities needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. With a focus on fostering resilience, 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 to make a positive impact in their lives, their families and their communities.
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 first generation scholars, our goal is to prepare these leaders 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.
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.
hammer Year
EXPANDING MY HORIZONS
Leaders participate in a week long trek with our our partner, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), where they will explore their personal mission, learn about goal development, and discover their capacity to overcome challenges.
COMPASS YEAR
EXPLORING MY FUTURE
The leaders participate in the Road to College Tour where they spend 7-10 days exploring a diverse selection of colleges and universities in their region of the country. Curriculum also includes career exploration opportunities, financial aid and scholarship workshops and job shadowing.
medallion Year
ENGAGING MY COMMUNITY
During their medallion year, leaders identify, explore, and execute a capstone project on a social issue that has community significance. Leaders will spend a week residing on a college campus as they meet with experts, work in groups and create solutions for improvements on social issues in their communities.
