Scholarships
She Moves Mountains exists to empower and educate women and non-binary folks through technical climbing clinics and community events. We want all climbers, regardless of their financial status, to have the opportunity to join us.Â
From gear and classes, to transportation and free time, being able to rock climb (especially outdoors) requires an immense amount of privilege. In order to help lower the financial barrier to entry, She Move Mountains provides unlimited scholarships to all of our core programs.
We find that traditional scholarships tend to favor those who are good at writing and storytelling. They often prioritize applicants with a specific education that's not always afforded to those in stressful financial situations, or necessary to thrive in the outdoors. With these things in mind, we've made the qualification process simple, straightforward, and trust-based.Â
We trust that individuals will be truthful about their financial situations, and will allow our Scholarship Program to serve those who truly need it.
To qualify, we ask that potential participants consider the following statements and identify with at least two of them:
- I have accrued credit card debt in order to meet my basic needs.
- I have found difficulty accessing and affording healthcare for me and/or my family members.
- My income supports my loved ones, as well as myself, and I cannot often do things for myself.
- I am unemployed or underemployed, and it is not by choice.
- I rarely have expendable income for entertainment, travel, and/or eating out.
Additionally, you must confirm that without this scholarship you could not afford to attend.
If you identify with two or more of the above statements, you are permitted to utilize one of our scholarships by applying the discount codes listed on each program page.
Who attends on a scholarship will not be disclosed to the guide and there is no follow-up required.Â
With these discount codes, climbers can attend our weekend events for as low as $50 and select technical skills clinics for $25.
**Please note that we consider flying in from out of state while using a scholarship to be incongruous with our intended use of these funds. If you live more than an 8 hour drive from the location, we will follow up with you via email to inquire about the nature of your travel. If you do not respond in a week, we will reach out by phone. If we do not hear back in 5 more days, we will cancel the reservation and provide a full refund.**
Which programs are available through your scholarships?
Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing Clinic
Trying something new is scary. Especially if that something new requires you to hang from a rope nearly 100 feet off of the ground.
Who you learn to climb from can have a huge impact on how you see the sport and your place in it. We work hard to create an emotionally and physically safe space where participants are accepted and supported exactly as they are.
We have chosen this clinic for our scholarship program because the first step is often the hardest and we want to make participation as easy as possible for anyone who wants to give rock climbing a try.
Anchors & Rappelling Rock Climbing Clinic
Building a safe climbing community takes time. Having the knowledge of how to build and clean anchors gives a climber the skills to be a competent climbing partner to a lead climber. It also provides a baseline for evaluating the technical safety of future climbing partners.
Additionally, due to its technical and nuanced nature, cleaning anchors is one of several skills that should absolutely be taught by a professional. While there are quite a few skills that can be learned from friends, this is not one of them.
Intro to Lead Climbing
Learning to lead climb is a huge step in taking ownership of your climbing. It's also one of the most empowering... and most risky.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to take a leadership role in their climbing, and this clinic is a good step in that direction.
Intro to Backpacking
Backpacking is a great way to get outside and disconnect without having to leave the ground. There's a lot of basic knowledge when it comes to getting started, but once you have that knowledge (plus some basic gear), it's quite an affordable activity.
Scholarship participants can only attend one Intro to Backpacking clinic per year on scholarship. If an individual registers for more than one Intro to Backpacking clinic using a scholarship, their second registration will be cancelled and a refund will be issued.
Climb & Camp Weekends
Community is at the core of She Moves Mountains, and the beauty of our community shines at our Climb & Camp Weekends.
Climbers join us for two nights of camping and two days of guided climbing. Over the course of the weekend, participants build connection and learn to push their boundaries with the support of our guides and other attendees. Honestly, we have never witnessed anything more empowering than the mutual support we've seen transpire throughout these special weekends.
Scholarship participants can only attend one Climb & Camp per year on scholarship. If an individual registers for more than one Climb & Camp using a scholarship, their second registration will be cancelled and a refund will be issued.
Donate
If you would like to contribute to the sustainability of our Scholarship Program, please consider making a donation.
We have set up a separate account for all donations, and 100% of the money donated is used exclusively for scholarships.Â
If you would like to provide a scholarship to a program not listed above, please send an email to lizzy@shemovesmountains.org.Â
Thanks so much for being here, and for supporting the empowerment of women through rock climbing, backpacking, and outdoor experiences.Â