Breaking Barriers to Elevate Mountain Leaders
The Climbing for Change Alpine Scholarship
AAI’s Climbing for Change Alpine Scholarship empowers BIPOC climbers to overcome obstacles and advance their technical leadership skills with world-class training and tuition support.
In partnership with Kai Lightner and the Climbing For Change Organization
Purpose
The purpose of the American Alpine Institute’s Climbing for Change Alpine Scholarship is to encourage Black people, members of Indigenous groups, and People of Color (BIPOC) to take the next step in advancing their technical backcountry and mountain leadership skills by participating in one or more of the Alpine Institute’s programs.
In today’s society, we understand that there are ongoing systemic, structural, and cultural barriers that uniquely affect members of the BIPOC communities. We understand that, over the years, many in these groups have been marginalized or outright excluded from outdoor programming.
“There is a racial divide between those who participate in outdoor activities and those who don’t, a yawning chasm I call ‘the adventure gap’.”
– James Edward Mills, The Adventure Gap
The outdoor community, for all its ideals, has in many ways reflected the larger society. At AAI, we believe it is our responsibility, as industry leaders, to aid in the dismantling of boundaries in order to help all people gain access to the mountains.
It is our hope that this tuition scholarship will encourage more BIPOC individuals to join AAI’s exceptional programs and continue their outdoor education.
Scholarship Details
The Climbing for Change Alpine Scholarship is an annual full or partial tuition award valid toward selected AAI courses.
Qualifying Programs
The funds can be applied to any of the following courses at American Alpine Institute.
- Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part I
- Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part II
- Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
- Backpacking and Wilderness Skills
- Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
- Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
- Alpinism 1
- Alpinism 2
- Alpine Ice Climbing
- Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
- Leave No Trace Master Educator Training
- Other courses may be considered depending on availability and applicant qualifications.
Applications
Eligibility:
- Self-identified as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color including Latinx, Asian, and mixed race
- 18 years of age or older
- Meet or exceed the listed prerequisites for the requested program(s)
- Potential recipients must submit a professional resume, outdoor resume, letter of recommendation, and personal statement expressing why they would make a great mountain guide, trip leader, or outdoor educator.
An application missing a resume, letter of recommendation, or outdoor/climbing/skiing resume is considered incomplete and will not be considered for the scholarship. For more information or tips on outdoor resume creation, feel free to email us at info@alpineinstitute.com.
The Climbing For Change Alpine Scholarship is open for applications February 1 through October 31. We will announce the winners late December.
