This fall marked the inaugural partnership between Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside, training 19 college students to become Sierra Club Chapter Outings leaders. With more than 5,000 chapter outings leaders nationwide, the partnership brings a new group of young Black leaders into the Sierra Club’s national network connecting thousands of people across the country to the outdoors.
HBCUs Outside is a nonprofit providing students and faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the resources needed to build sustainable outdoor communities, lead outings, and engage with the outdoor industry.
During the trainings, students completed the Sierra Club Chapter Outings Leader Course, which covered ethical leadership, risk management, best practices in outings planning, and strategies for building community led conservation and outdoor access movements. In partnership with Sierra Club Chapters, sessions took place in Georgia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina and drew students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
“The partnership between HBCUs and the Sierra Club centers on creating inclusive outdoor experiences for students. This year’s North Carolina training with A&T University students showcased shared curiosity, skill, and honest dialogue. Students brought outdoor expertise, asked deep questions, and remained engaged. Together, we addressed issues of safety, belonging, and comfort for Brown and Black people in outdoor spaces, especially when navigating a predominantly white outdoor industry and today’s political climate,” said Lornett Vestal, Senior Campaign Strategist with theSierra Club’s Military Outdoors program.
“The forming of this partnership between the Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside has been one of the most fulfilling experiences during my time with the Sierra Club. Student participation in these trainings is just one step of their holistic journey to leading outings for their communities. I am honored to be part of it and look forward to being a network of support as they refine their practice and create meaningful experiences for their participants.” Marissa Llanes, Chapter Outings Team Director
Students participate in an outings training led by by Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside in Atlanta in 2025. Photo credit: Gerry James
Staff and volunteers across many Sierra Club campaigns and programs helped lead the trainings: Eva Sadana with the DC Chapter, Devin Cowens with the Georgia Chapter, Mark Walters with the Florida Chapter, Gerry James and Roberto Morales with the Outdoors For All campaign, Lornett Vestal and Sherman Neal II with the Military Outdoors program, and Marissa Llanes with the Chapter Outings Team. HBCU Outside’s Marcia Roseme and founder Ron Griswell provided facilitation support.
Founded by Griswell, HBCUs Outside expands outdoor access and leadership opportunities by developing students’ technical skills, confidence, and leadership while opening doors into a broader outdoor community. Sierra Club’s Chapter Outings Program is one of the nation’s longest running volunteer-led outdoor programs and trains leaders to create safe, welcoming, community centered experiences. Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign and Military Outdoors program strengthens this work through policy, partnerships, and community driven efforts that remove barriers to nature.
