SCHOLARSHIPS
VNTRbirds’ Scholarship Fund: supporting women in the outdoors and furthering their outdoor education through mentorships and grants.
APPLICATIONS FOR WINTER 2024/25 OPEN Nov. 1st-30th
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All applications must be submitted on or before November 30th 2024 at midnight. Recipients will be announced by December 9th 2024.
These scholarships aim to foster a diverse community of skiers and snowboarders, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the thrill of the mountains safely and confidently.
Apply now and take your skills to new heights!
VNTRbirds Mentorship Scholarship:
We’re excited to announce the VNTRbirds Mentorship Scholarship, aimed at empowering aspiring women leaders in the backcountry! This scholarship is designed for those looking to become backcountry guides and educators. One deserving recipient will receive:
- Hands-On Mentorship: Work closely with experienced instructors and learn the operational side of VNTRbirds backcountry courses.
- Shadow a VNTRbirds Course: Gain invaluable experience by shadowing a VNTRbirds course, providing you with real-world insights and skills.
- $300 toward Training: Receive $300 to put toward a Wilderness First Responder course, Level 2 course, or a Pro Level course. Funds will be awarded upon proof of completion.
- Rocky Talkie Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners with a set of Rocky Talkie radios, ensuring clear communication throughout your adventures.
Powder7 SKIING FOR ALL Scholarship:
We’re thrilled to announce our Powder7 SKIING FOR ALL Scholarship, designed to empower lifelong backcountry adventurers! One deserving recipient will receive:
- VNTRbirds AIARE Level 2 Course: Elevate your skills and safety knowledge by continuing your backcountry education.
- AIARE Rescue Course: Essential training to prepare you for emergencies in the backcountry, a prerequisite for the Level 2 course.
- $300 Gear Stipend: Use this to gear up at Powder7 in Golden, Colorado! Whether you need new equipment, a tune-up for your gear, or a boot fit, they’ve got you covered.
- Set of Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios: Keeping you and your backcountry partners in touch at all times.
Rocky Talkie BIPOC Scholarship:
We are proud to introduce the Rocky Talkie BIPOC Scholarship, designed to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the backcountry! Each deserving recipient will receive:
- VNTRbirds Intro to Backcountry Course: Gain essential skills and knowledge for safe winter exploration. Take your first steps into the backcountry with confidence!
- Free Rescue Gear Rental: If you need it, we’ll provide top-notch rescue gear to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
- Set of Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners at all times, enhancing safety and communication during your adventures.
2 arc'teryx colorado scholarships
#1 VNTRbirds x Arc’teryx Colorado AIARE L1 Scholarship:
We are excited to introduce the Arc’teryx AIARE Level 1 Scholarship, dedicated to empowering femme backcountry travelers! One deserving recipient will receive:
- VNTRbirds AIARE Level 1 Course: Acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the winter backcountry safely and confidently.
- Free Rescue Gear Rental: If you need it, we’ll provide rescue gear to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
- Set of Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners at all times, enhancing safety and communication during your adventures.
#2 VNTRbirds x Arc’teryx Colorado Intro to Backcountry Scholarship:
We are thrilled to present the Arc’teryx Intro to Backcountry Scholarship, designed specifically for new backcountry users! One deserving recipient will receive:
- VNTRbirds Intro to Backcountry Course: Learn the fundamentals of backcountry travel in a supportive environment, perfect for those new to the sport.
- Free Avalanche Rescue Gear Rental: If needed, we’ll provide essential rescue gear to ensure you’re prepared and safe.
- Set of Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios: Stay connected with your backcountry partners, enhancing communication and safety during your adventures.
underground snowboards breast cancer survivors scholarship
VNTRbirds x Underground Snowboards Splitboarding Scholarship for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
We’re excited to announce the Underground Snowboards Splitboarding Scholarship, designed to support breast cancer patients and survivors on their journey into the backcountry. One deserving recipient will receive:
- VNTRbirds Intro to Backcountry Course: Learn essential skills and knowledge for safe winter exploration and take your first steps into the backcountry with confidence.
- Complimentary Gear: This includes a BSP rental and two Rocky Talkie radios to help you stay connected with your backcountry partners.
- $500 Gear Stipend: Use this to gear up at Underground Snowboards in Breckenridge, Colorado! Whether you need new splitboard equipment, outerwear, or a boot fitting, they’ve got you covered.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors! Their generosity and commitment make these scholarships a reality, allowing us to offer valuable opportunities to individuals on their journey into the outdoors.
These sponsors believe in empowering women and actively advocate for increased representation and leadership roles for women in outdoor spaces. Their support not only provides essential resources but also inspires a new generation of female leaders to embrace their passion for adventure.
If you’re inspired by our mission and want to make a difference, we invite you to contribute. Every donation to the VNTR Fund helps us continue this vital work and expand opportunities for women in the outdoors. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive outdoor community. Thank you for your support!
“I think femme-centered spaces are more understanding and therefore, more comfortable to learn in. I didn’t spend the whole course worried about being called out for being slower, or for asking a “dumb” question. The shared joy when skiing together was incredible, as were the jokes“.
“One thing I appreciate is how they allow space for you to be wrong. There is no judgment as we learn, and the kind and accepting way in which our instructors would correct us was motivating. I know that sounds simple, but it is hard to find spaces where others do not condescend you for the knowledge you do not have!”
“This is an amazing women owned and run organization, empowering women and nonbinary folks in the outdoors. I learned so much in my rec 1 course, in a supportive environment! Can’t wait to be a part of more vntrbirds meet ups, clinics, and courses. I would highly recommend them for avalanche education!“.
“Participating in these courses has been an unparalleled experience. After 20 years of snowboarding I can easily say taking the Backcountry Basics and AIARE Level 1 course have been the highlight of my snowboarding career. The skills acquired and the connections I made have ignited a passion within me to make backcountry skiing more accessible and inclusive to females and individuals with disabilities“.