Strive College Leadership Program
Train at altitude. Build your base. Grow as a leader.
Peru & Flagstaff, Arizona · Summer 2027 · College students
Spend part of your summer training, serving, and exploring with Strive. Build a strong aerobic base for the fall cross country season while gaining hands-on experience mentoring high school students.
College Leaders join at reduced tuition, arrive early with the program leader to help prepare, and take an active role in making the experience welcoming, organized, and rewarding for everyone.
A summer that supports your fall season
Summer training is about consistency: putting in the miles, recovering well, and arriving at preseason ready to build. Strive offers college runners the opportunity to train at altitude alongside other motivated athletes while experiencing a different place and community.
Bring your college coach’s summer training plan. Work with Strive staff to fit your training into program life, allowing for altitude, recovery, travel, and group responsibilities. Give yourself time to acclimate, and adapt the workload to your experience and goals.
Run with fellow college students, support high school runners, and learn from experienced coaching staff. Your own training matters, and so does knowing when the group needs you. Some sessions with younger students will be easier than your own planned training; discuss those needs with staff in advance.
Lead through everyday actions
Offer encouragement on a run. Include someone who feels left out. Share what you’ve learned about college athletics. Model how to contribute thoughtfully to a community.
Under staff direction, College Leaders:
- Arrive early for orientation, program setup, and preparation.
- Mentor high school students during athletics, service, activities, and daily program life.
- Support runs and workouts appropriate to students’ abilities and staff guidance.
- Take responsibility for an assigned area, such as photography, social media, group activities, or daily logistics.
- Share a personal lesson or perspective through a “Strive Talk.”
- Participate fully in community-based learning, service, and adventure.
Staff provide supervision, guidance, and feedback. Communications and photos follow Strive’s media permissions and staff review process.
Choose your summer setting
Peru · Summer 2027
Train in the Andes and experience life in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Combine running with cultural learning, community engagement, and adventure while supporting high school students as they navigate an unfamiliar place.
Dates: To be announced, including the required early-arrival period.
College Leadership tuition: $4,497 for the full program, including the required early-arrival period. International airfare is not included and is arranged and billed separately.
Flagstaff, Arizona · Summer 2027
Build your summer base in a high-altitude setting surrounded by northern Arizona’s trails and landscapes. Share miles and meals, support community-based service, and help younger students grow through exploration and shared challenges.
Dates: To be announced, including the required early-arrival period.
College Leadership tuition: $2,997 for the full program, including the required early-arrival period. Travel to and from Flagstaff is not included.
College Leaders commit to the preparation period and the full program. Final dates and inclusions will be provided before an enrollment commitment.
Reduced tuition, meaningful responsibility
College Leaders pay 60% of the high school program tuition—a 40% reduction—in recognition of their additional responsibilities. Each destination has one total program price, with the required preparation period, inclusions, and any separate travel costs clearly explained. There is no weekly-rate calculation.
Who should apply?
College students who enjoy running, working with younger students, and contributing to a group. This opportunity is especially well suited to cross country runners looking to combine summer base training with leadership, service, and travel.
We value reliability, sound judgment, curiosity, and a willingness to help. Tell us about your training goals, experience working with young people, and the strengths you would bring.
Questions about College Leadership
Can I follow my college coach’s training plan?
Bring your plan and discuss it with Strive staff before departure. Training fits around the program, with adjustments for altitude, recovery, travel, and leadership duties. Specific mileage or performance gains are not guaranteed.
How does training fit around leadership duties?
Expect a full schedule of training, service, group activities, and mentoring. You may need to adjust the timing or intensity of your own sessions. Staff will help you plan, and group responsibilities take priority when they overlap.
When do I need to arrive?
College Leaders arrive early with the program leader for orientation and setup. The exact arrival and departure dates for each 2027 program are pending.
What does the reduced tuition cover?
The final tuition listing will specify lodging, meals, local transportation, programming, required preparation days, and any excursions included. Travel costs and any other exclusions will be listed separately before enrollment.
What happens after I apply?
Strive reviews your application and may invite you to an interview and request references. Applying does not confirm a place or commit you to payment.