Apprentice Program

Learn to teach experiential education.

At the High Mountain Institute, we believe deeply in the philosophy of education through experience. Apprentices are college graduates who immerse themselves in a semester-long paid teaching fellowship as part of the HMI Semester (our semester school for high school students). Apprentices live on HMI’s campus and participate in a rigorous pedagogy seminar that combines formal lessons in educational techniques with philosophies of outdoor education. 

Applications for Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 open on September 19, 2026, and close on February 1, 2027.

Fall Semester: August 18, 2027 – December 15, 2027
Spring Semester: January 19, 2028 – May 21, 2028

The Apprentice Program Director is available by phone at: (719) 486-8200 x108.

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Wilderness

Academics

Residential Life

Application & Position Information

How to Apply
  1. Complete your online application, including four short-answer questions. Note: we use one application platform for all of our programs. In the portal, any reference to “student” should be read as “applicant.” Additionally,  “Parent Portal” refers to the Admissions & Enrollment Portal.
  2. Submit your resume via our online application.
  3. Provide two references, selecting one to complete a recommendation form on your behalf. A letter of recommendation will not be accepted in place of the recommendation form. 
Applicants will be given an update or an invitation to interview shortly after the deadline. Preferred candidates have a current CPR and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.
 
Compensation
  • $4,500 stipend
  • Room & board, all class materials, and wilderness gear rental included
  • Graduate credit available
  • Insurance benefits not included

Non-Discriminatory Statement: HMI admits students and employs faculty and staff of any gender, race, color, religion, disability-status, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin, and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students, faculty and staff of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin or disability status in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school administered programs.

Wilderness

Apprentices participate in a week-long wilderness training expedition and help facilitate the 3 high school semester wilderness expeditions. These expeditions consist of backpacking, canyoneering, and backcountry skiing (Spring Semester only), as well as formal academic and wilderness classes. Apprentices also receive a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification. 

HMI’s wilderness curriculum includes leadership styles, effective communication, and basic camping, navigation, risk management, and decision-making skills.

Academics

Apprentices work closely with an academic faculty member to hone their teaching style and skills. The specific subject areas which are available for apprenticeships are:

  • English: Literature of the Natural World
  • U.S. History
  • Natural Science
  • Spanish
  • Mathematics
  • Wilderness: The Wilderness Apprentice works with the Semester Directors to teach our mandatory elective, Practices and Principles: Ethics of the Natural World, and assists the Director of Wilderness Programs with route planning and gear organization.
  • Marketing and Communications: The Marketing and Communications Apprentice works closely with the Admissions and Advancement Departments; no teaching component.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The DEI Apprentice works with the Community and Culture Coordinator on community-based curricula as part of HMI’s residential life and wilderness programs.

For a full list of course descriptions, click here. 

Additionally, apprentices are enrolled in a twice-weekly seminar, Theory and Practice in Experiential Education. The curriculum includes classroom reflection and lesson planning, career development and planning, and identity and equity work within the classroom.

Residential Life

Outside of the classroom, apprentices play an active role in the day-to-day life of the HMI Semester by cooking meals with students, helping with daily chores, participating in weekend outings, facilitating daily activities, and acting as a Cabin Head for a student cabin.

For a more in-depth look at the program, please read the Apprentice Program Semester Overview.

Program Outcomes

Learn More

Experiential Teaching

Learn how to design experiential lessons & facilitate student engagement in a classroom setting.

Outdoor Education & Risk Management

Build technical skills, develop your style as an outdoor educator & assess risks in the backcountry.

Student Engagement

Mentor students & support them through the HMI experience. Facilitate residential life & activities.

 Educational Theory & Practice

Apply educational theory to your classes & develop your own teaching style.

 Adolescent Leadership Curriculum

Learn & practice leadership curriculums & frameworks designed specifically for adolescents.

 Faculty Mentorship

Work closely with your faculty advisor to develop your skills as an educator & navigate next steps after the program.

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