Every Giving Tuesday, our community comes together to improve access to the outdoors through scholarships. Will you join us with a special donation today?
We believe the outdoors is for everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Donor-funded scholarships help bring outdoor skills and experiences to those who otherwise may not be able to access them. We hope to raise $30,000 today for The Mountaineers Access Program, and thanks to early donations we’re already well on our way!
"For many years, I did a lot of solo hiking and a few overnight trips. But I didn’t have a solid friend group to adventure with,” said Cody, a 2-year member. “For years, the financial commitment and the time commitment were two things getting in the way of signing up for a Mountaineers course. But I finally got to the point this year where I was able to figure it out and, thanks to the scholarship, was able to fit it into my budget.”
Cody was awarded one of more than 250 need-based scholarships in 2022 to access the outdoors through courses and activities.
People of all backgrounds come to The Mountaineers looking for access to outdoor education and recreation. With world-class courses and books and a deep well of community expertise, we are a trusted resource for those who want to learn important skills, try something new, or find a community. Access to things like gear, transportation, generational knowledge, and more can prevent people from feeling included and comfortable in the outdoors. For many, the biggest barrier to participating in outdoor recreation is financial.
“I feel like I accomplished more in a few months than I've done over the past 10-15 years. And the best part is that I've met a lot of really awesome people. I feel like I'm part of a community now. And each trip I go on, I get to know more people and expand that community,” Cody shared. “I now understand why so many graduates want to come back to help out. It's really cool to see the camaraderie that develops among the group, not only with fellow students but with other volunteer leaders and assistants. I absolutely plan to come back and do the same after being inspired by all of the instructors.”
Your donation will help us reach our goal of $30,000 for The Mountaineers Access Program. Will you make a Giving Tuesday donation today?