Apply for a Free Summer Trip!

Sara’s Scholarship is an investment in a teen’s connection to the outdoors. This award enables an immersive outdoor experience for a rising high school sophomore that sparks personal growth and a sense of belonging in the natural world. Winners select an expedition offered by some of Maine’s best trip-leading organizations. These trips can last a week or two, and expose students to beautiful parts of Maine, useful outdoor skills, and even career possibilities.

Non-Discrimination: Teens to Trails deeply values diversity. We honor the differences among us and believe that we all belong outdoors. When we make the benefits of outdoor experiences accessible to everyone, everywhere we build stronger connections and communities. No prior experience is required. We will help provide all necessary clothing, gear, and equipment.

Eligible applicants: Any current freshman student at a Maine high school that is currently registered with Teens to Trails. Experiences must be completed before the start of the next academic year, assumed to be September.

Reporting: Recipients of Sara’s Scholarship are asked to share a written and illustrated story of their experiences by August 31. Teens to Trails has the right to use these reports to promote the scholarship.

Application: Applications open January 17, and are due March 7, 2024.

Award Announcements: Late-March

Learn more: Get to know some prior recipients. Learn about how a kayak trip to a remote Maine island inspired Maeve Carlson’s career or how a backpacking trip in Maine’s Hundred-Mile Wilderness built Linnea Andersson’s confidence on the trail.

Promote Sara’s Scholarship at Your School: Print this poster, designed by a member of our Youth Advisory Council.

Evaluation Process Think about these 5 statements as you prepare your application. Address these topics for the best chance to earn an awesome outdoor summer experience- if they feel true to you.  We evaluate applications with consideration of the following suggested criteria:

1. Student is self-motivated and expresses curiosity, integrity, intelligence, and willingness to take risks.

2. Student is committed to being a positive contributing group member and shows a genuine interest in participating, understanding that means full participation and completion of the experience.

3. Student is interested in grasping a broader sense of responsibility and understanding of the outdoors, and is interested in acquiring greater self-confidence, technical and leadership skills.

4. Student shows commitment to equitable access to the outdoors, ensuring that all feel welcome, included and a sense of belonging.

5. Student shows potential to bring these qualities back to their school, plan outings with other students, and be an inspiring champion for spending time outdoors.

Sara’s Story

In 2005, Carol & Bob Leone tragically lost their 15-year-old daughter, Sara, in a car accident. To honor Sara’s memory, her love of the outdoors, and to offer a way for students of Sara’s age to have access to outdoor experiences, they founded Teens to Trails.

Sara's love of the outdoors played a key role in the person she had become. From her many outdoor experiences, she grew comfortable with herself and her place in the world. It gave her an unstoppable self-confidence that drove her to work hard, to play hard, and to achieve.  The way she explored the natural world became the manner in which she led her life – with passion and compassion. 

Meet Sara

Sara's many friends and family created this scholarship.
We send our heartfelt thanks to all those who have kept her memory alive through their generosity. We welcome your support.