There are several scholarship opportunities for AIARE Instructor Training courses and AIARE PRO courses, as well as AIARE Recreational classes. Please note that you must apply for the respective course for which you seek a scholarship.
*NEW* Scholarship for Coloradans
This scholarship supports aspiring instructors and course leaders who are Colorado-based or work for Colorado Providers. Applications are due by 5 pm PDT on August 25, 2022.
Scarpa and Arcteryx PRO Women's Scholarship
AIARE recognizes the importance of diversifying the avalanche profession and elevating underrepresented genders through breaking down barriers to entry and this is why we are thrilled to work with Scarpa and Arcteryx to offer full and partial scholarships to women (trans and non-cis-gender) in taking an AIARE PRO1 or PRO2. We have an award totaling over $11,000 to distribute to aspiring and working professionals.
To apply for this scholarship submit your application no later than September 30, 2022. Notification of scholarship recipients will be by Oct 31, 2022. All applicants must submit a complete PRO 1 or PRO2 application portfolio to be considered. AIARE will gladly assist applicants in the preparation of PRO course application portfolios if needed.
First Ascent Foundation Avalanche Educator Scholarship
“Receiving a scholarship for my ITC alleviated enough financial pressure for me to participate in the course and allowed me the capacity or to redirect time and energy towards preparing for my courses and show up as well equipped as possible. It made space for me to hone my technical skills and spend time poking around in the snow, but more importantly, it enabled me to address some of the less tangible challenges that exist. Knowing that I was supported by the folks at AIARE helped my confidence stepping into my PRO 1 and my ITC, and I’m so grateful for it.”
—Alyssa Young, 2021-22 First Ascent Instructor Scholarship Recipient
AIARE recognizes that people from marginalized gender identities make up a disproportionately small number of avalanche educators in the U.S., and many find it difficult to grow and sustain their careers. In a 2021 survey of women on AIARE Instructor Training Programs, 100% of respondents indicated that in addition to the other challenges they faced, financial barriers had been a consideration in advancing their careers as avalanche educators.
With generous support from the First Ascent Foundation, AIARE is offering funding to assist people from all marginalized gender identities, including trans, non-binary, women, and genderqueer folks, with tuition for AIARE Instructor and Course Leader Training courses. Scholarship funds are to be used in the year they are awarded, thus applicants will also need to submit an AIARE Instructor Training Course or Course Leader Training course application to be considered for this scholarship. AIARE encourages any eligible applicants who would benefit from financial assistance to apply—full and partial scholarships will be awarded. Awards are made in conjunction with acceptance to an ITC or CLT.
APPLIATION PERIOD EXTENDED. The application period is from July 15, 2022, to August 23, 2022, @ 5pm PT. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship award at the time of their course assignment notification (expected to be September 9) and will have about two weeks to accept their offers.
Kizaki-Wolf Scholarship for Instructor Training, Course Leader Training & PRO Training
The Kizaki-Wolf AIARE Scholarship supports outstanding outdoor professionals in furthering their avalanche education and teaching skills. This scholarship provides full or partial tuition for an Instructor Training Course, Course Leader Training Course or PRO 1 or PRO 2 course. The selection committee focuses on three criteria in evaluating applicants:
- Outdoor professional career (guide, patroller, outdoor educator, etc.) dedication and achievement;
- Under-represented populations within outdoor professionals;
- An appreciation of, and commitment to, an inclusive and diverse community of outdoor recreationalists and professionals.
Application Process:
1. APPLY FOR YOUR COURSE: Apply and be accepted (or wait-listed) and pay the non-refundable deposit to an AIARE ITC, CLT, PRO 1, or PRO 2. Only scholarship applicants who are registered (or wait-listed) for an AIARE professional-level course will be considered.
2. SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION, including:
- Your CV, including outdoor professional positions, education, courses, certifications, and number of days worked annually as an outdoor professional.
- A Personal Statement addressing the following questions:
- What has been your personal journey as an outdoor or avalanche professional? What are your career goals and aspirations?
- Why are you a great candidate for this scholarship and how will this scholarship help you pay it forward in the avalanche field?
- Are you part of an underrepresented population in the outdoor/avalanche community? How have those experiences influenced you or your career objectives?
- How have you demonstrated an appreciation of, and commitment to, an inclusive and diverse community of outdoor recreationalists and professionals?
- Three professional references in an outdoor professional-setting. Letters of recommendation are not required. The selection committee only contacts the references of finalists.
- Submit CV and references in one package/email to kizaki@avtraining.org
3. DATES & DEADLINES:
- Applications are due by August 30, 2022
- Notification of award will be by Oct. 1 , 2022.
4. POST-COURSE VIDEO:
- Scholarship recipients provide a short, post-course video debrief discussing their experience and any advice or words of wisdom for future scholarship recipients. Examples of post-course videos from prior scholarship recipients are available here. Don’t worry though -- scholarship recipients are provided with guidance and tools for putting together their post-course video and all you need is a smart phone!
Kizaki-Wolf AIARE Scholarship Recipients
Live Large University AIARE Scholarship
The #LiveLargeUniversity AIARE scholarship is intended to support motorized backcountry riders. Funds for this scholarship are raised by donation and through purchases from the Avalanche Alliance Sweepstakes and the Jon Ferrian Live online shop. Partial course scholarships are available for students taking an AIARE Motorized Rec Course, PRO 1, PRO 2, ITC, or CLT course. Read more about qualifications here: LLU SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA 2022.
Application Due Dates:
- September 1, 2022 - AIARE PRO and Instructor Training Courses
- October 30, 2022 - AIARE 1, AIARE 2 & RESCUE Courses
Notifications for Pro and IT scholarship awards will follow the notification of course application acceptance. Notifications for AIARE Rec course scholarship awards will be announced the week following the close of the application period.
Reeno Foundation Guide Certification Course Scholarship
Qualifications and requirements:
- This scholarship is for an aspiring or professional in the outdoor industry looking to gain additional certifications or renew specific certifications.
- Keep a written and/or photo journal about your experiences while attending the program to share with the Reeno Foundation.
- Maximum scholarship amount available: ½ of program cost with a maximum of $5000. The course can be taken for college credit.
Approved Organizations:
American Mountain Guide Association, American Canoe Association, Professional Climbing Instructors Association, IWLS, AIARE, WFR/WFA.
To Apply:
Click below to learn more about the application process. Note that the "Application Form" described is found here.
Guides Fund Yearly Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to both support AIARE’s mission of ‘saving lives through avalanche education,’ and encourage historically underrepresented populations in American backcountry pursuits to move into leadership roles, by partially or fully subsidizing tuition for an AIARE ITC or CLT.
Application should include a list qualifications pertaining to ITC/CLT prerequisites, and a short description of current work, education and future in the field of avalanche research and education.
There are no reporting requirements for this scholarship.
Please direct applications to darkstarmtguide@gmail.com, between September 1 and November 1.
George Dirth Memorial Scholarship
The George Dirth Memorial Scholarship Fund supports Colorado and Utah based backcountry skiers/snowboarders. The Scholarship Fund is a non-profit created to build a lifesaving resource that is available to anyone who spends time skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry who needs financial help and is willing to do something to give back to the backcountry community. Our goal is to keep ALL backcountry users alive.
Each scholarship funds about half the cost of a Level 1 course, people are more committed to the training if they are also financially invested in it. The scholarship money is awarded only to those who have applied, qualify, and actually taken the course, as verified by their certificate. A key part of each application is their description and pledge of support to the backcountry community. The application requirements appear on the Scholarship Fund website. Please visit George Dirth Memorial Scholarship Fund for more information on this scholarship opportunity.
We strongly believe that this education reduces the number of fatalities in the backcountry. If you need help to afford this education you can apply anytime before December 31st, (the anniversary of George's death).
Blackbird Mountain Guides BIPOC / Women's Scholarships for REC Courses
Blackbird Mountain Guides, based in Truckee, CA, is offering scholarship opportunities for BIPOC individuals and Women-identifying individuals to take recreational avalanche courses for the 2022-23 winter season. Click the links above or contact Blackbird Mountain Guides (info@blackbirdguides.com) with questions!