Walking to class the Sierra Institute way.
Sierra Institute programs attract students from around the country who are interested in using the outdoors as a field classroom in new and stimulating ways. The experience of academic learning in the backcountry and in other cultures and landscapes is powerful and satisfying. We hope you will catch the spirit of wild country by joining us!
From this page, you can download the general application form, which you may use in applying to all the programs.
Before submitting your application, please be sure to have reviewed the General Information. If you have any questions, please call the Office of Distance and Extended Education at 707-826-3731 (fax: 707-826-5885). You can also .
Note: You must be 18 years or older and successfully pass a health exam to participate.
1. Read through the descriptive information of the program you are interested in.
2. When you decide on a particular program (and possible 2nd
choice),
go to the Application Form:
3. If submitting the printable application form, please make
your $200 application check payable to Humboldt
State University.
NOTE: Application fee is refundable if program is cancelled
or if you are not accepted. Otherwise, application fee is
non-refundable after program application due date. Prior
to program due date, refunds are subject to administrative
fee.
4. Mail application form and $200 application fee to: [See Refund Policy below]
SIERRA INSTITUTE
Office of Distance and Extended Education
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
If you are applying for California Wilderness in the summer or spring and have a demonstrable financial need, you are invited to apply for a Kenton Dornbush Memorial Scholarship ($500). Complete application and send no later than the spring or summer program application due date. [See below]
Though all selections are made after these due dates, you are encouraged to get your application in early. If you are mailing your application, plan to mail in time to arrive on or before the due date. Acceptance is based primarily on your application essays.
We may accept late applications on a space-available basis.
Notification of acceptance (primarily via e-mail):
WINTER 2013: OCT. 22, 2012
SPRING 2013: JAN. 4, 2013
SUMMER 2013: APRIL 26, 2013
Accepted students will receive a packet of course information including program details, itinerary, equipment list and food suggestion guide.
Due
dates for balance of fees:
WINTER 2013: NOV. 12, 2012
SPRING 2013: MARCH 1, 2013
SUMMER 2013: JUNE 3, 2013
The Sierra Institute and HSU Distance & Extended Education are not able to provide direct financial aid for program participants. However, since Sierra Institute credit may be applied towards a degree, students with an existing financial aid award may, in some cases, use their financial aid for a Sierra Institute Program. Please see general information page for more details.
If you are applying for California Wilderness in the summer or spring and have a demonstrable financial need, you are invited to apply for a Kenton Dornbush Memorial Scholarship ($500). Complete application and send no later than the spring or summer program application due date.
The application fee is only refundable if you are not accepted or if the program is cancelled. For accepted students a refund of fees (other than application fee) prior to program start is on a case-by-case basis. Any refund is subject to administrative fee of $25. Fees are non-refundable once they have been obligated on student's behalf for goods or services, or once the program has started.
Participants provide their own personal equipment. A detailed equipment list will be sent upon acceptance.
Thanks for applying. See you on the trail!
Walker Abel, Sierra Institute Director