About Outbound

A launchpad, not just a program.

Outbound is a launchpad for young adults ages 17 to 30. Young people are not short on potential. They are short on access to mentors, real experience, and people who tell them the truth. We give them a place to launch from.

Formation beyond the classroom.

Our work rests on three pillars. Together they surround emerging leaders with the relationships, experiences, and disciplines that help purpose take shape.

Leadership development

Practical formation through mentoring, ministry experience, disciplined reflection, and one-on-one guidance.

Opportunity creation

Housing, transportation, scholarships, job shadowing, conferences, and the relationships that open doors.

Global engagement

Cross-cultural leadership, missions experiences, humanitarian service, and exposure to church planting.

The Outbound program

What participants experience.

A mentor talking one-on-one with a young man at a table

Mentorship

Participants develop an ongoing relationship with a trusted mentor who adapts guidance to each student’s needs. Mentoring schedules are regular and can increase in frequency when required. Mentors cover topics such as financial literacy, a Biblical perspective, professional etiquette, workplace skills, and resume development.

A large crowd with hands raised in worship, lit by warm sunlight

Global missions

Leadership isn’t local; it’s global. Through cross-cultural missions, youth step outside their comfort zones to serve, listen, and learn from global leaders, building the adaptability and empathy needed for a connected world.

Two workers in hard hats and safety vests looking out over a construction site

Job shadows

Every Outbound participant receives focused, intentional job shadows tailored to their development goals and personal interests. These experiences offer hands-on exposure to real career pathways, some confirming existing passions, others expanding horizons and revealing new possibilities.

Folded hands resting on an open Bible

Church internship

Participants who discover Outbound through local churches or Bible colleges are matched with internships at partner churches. These placements involve working alongside the pastor, attending fellowship events and Bible studies, developing practical ministry skills, and shadowing church leaders. The church internship demonstrates how a Kingdom calling can be pursued alongside a secular vocation.

Two young women talking and laughing over coffee at a wooden table

1:1 connection

Participants also meet one-on-one with trusted contacts in public settings to exchange stories, reflect on past experiences, and strengthen interpersonal skills. These conversations deepen understanding, model lived wisdom, and revive the art of thoughtful dialogue.

A young man working with laptop and lab equipment in a workshop

Skills workshop

Bridging the gap between education and the economy. Participants learn practical, real-world skills directly from industry experts, preparing them to confidently step into any professional environment.

Summer 2026

Our pilot internship

Outbound’s first pilot internship ran in Summer 2026: four weeks with one intern. Each week built on the last.

  1. Week 1: OrientationObservation, strengths and goal-setting, and a personal development plan.
  2. Week 2: PracticumHands-on projects and informational interviews.
  3. Week 3: LeadershipLeading devotionals and preparation, and practicing public speaking.
  4. Week 4: CapstoneA research presentation and a closing ceremony.

Mentor one-on-ones, a leadership book study, and real Outbound work ran through all four weeks.

[TODO: Optional: add a pilot photo or short quote, with the intern's written permission.]

Where we are headed

Our long-term vision covers fifteen focus areas in six groups, so young adults can explore the paths they actually want to pursue. We are starting focused and growing step by step; not every area is running yet.

Professional Readiness

  • Career Readiness & Workforce Development
  • Higher Education Counseling & Academic Navigation
  • Technology, AI & Corporate Skills

Community & Character

  • Community Service & Civic Engagement
  • Mentorship & Accountability
  • Leadership Development & Character Formation

Exploration & STEM

  • STEM Exploration & Applied Learning
  • Global Exposure & International Mission Internships

Industry Mentorship

  • Healthcare, Caregiving & Wellness
  • Creative Arts, Media & Brand Strategy
  • Entrepreneurship, Finance & Small Business
  • Skilled Trades & Construction

Public Service

  • Military Service & Veteran Transition
  • Public Safety, Law & Government Service

Faith & Partnership

  • Church Partnership
[TODO: Board to confirm this long-term list is OK to show publicly, and whether to mark which areas are active today.]

Our team

Larry Schoonover smiling, standing with his wife Delia
Larry SchoonoverCo-Founder & Executive DirectorPictured with Delia Schoonover
Mel Berglund smiling, standing with his wife
Mel BerglundCo-Founder & Board MemberPictured with his wife
Darlene Lacsamana smiling, standing outside a brick building
Darlene LacsamanaCo-Founder & Program Director
[TODO: Confirm photo captions (Mel's wife's name?) or swap in single-person headshots; optionally add a 1–2 sentence bio for each person.]

Outbound is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 42-3547516.