In partnership with the Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation, John Donnellan has generously funded two scholarships for our backcountry community. One scholarship is designed for recreational users and can be applied towards an Avalanche Awareness, Avalanche Rescue, or Avalanche Recreation Level 1 or 2 course, up to $800. The other scholarship is intended for professional avalanche courses and may be used for a Pro 1, Pro 2, ProAvSAR, ITC, or CLT course, with an award of up to $1,700.
I discovered Mt Washington while on Boy Scouts hiking trips in the 80s and later returned to hike and ski Tuckerman Ravine. On my first Tuckerman trip, I skied way to close to the entrance of a crevasse but was able to avoid it by climbing up for 10 minutes. I learned a relatively easy lesson that day. I moved to CO and worked for a ski resort and took Avy Level 1 and 2 while there. When I returned to the East Coast, I was very eager to share Tuckerman with friends and family and have led over 20 springtime trips. I now have the tools to be more safe and really want to do anything I can to share those tools with others. – John Donnellan
The goal of these scholarships are to help reduce barriers to entry in avalanche education for both recreational and professional participants in our local community. Please read over the application prerequisites before completing the application.
Applicant Prerequisites:
Residency and Recreation: Applicants must demonstrate that they are a member of the local community and frequently recreate in the Mount Washington area or surrounding states.
Financial Need: Applicants should provide a brief statement explaining their financial need and how the cost of avalanche education is a barrier to entry for them. This can include information on current employment, income level, or other financial obligations.
Commitment to Avalanche Awareness: Applicants should express a strong commitment to improving avalanche awareness within their community. This can be demonstrated through previous volunteer work, involvement in community activities related to outdoor recreation, or a clear plan on how they intend to use the education to benefit others.
Inclusivity and Diversity: While the scholarship is open to all who meet the criteria, preference will be given to applicants who belong to underrepresented groups in formal avalanche training, including but not limited to, BIPOC individuals, women, non-binary individuals, and those identifying as LGBTQIA+.
Selection Criteria:
Financial Need (40%): The primary criterion will be the applicant’s demonstrated financial need. The scholarship is intended to lower barriers to entry, so applicants who can clearly show how the cost of the course is a barrier to their participation will be prioritized.
Commitment to Community Impact (30%): Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to using their avalanche education to benefit their community will receive higher consideration. This might include plans to share knowledge, lead group outings, or engage in community education efforts.
Connection to the Local Area (20%): Priority will be given to applicants who live, work, or frequently recreate in the Mount Washington area or surrounding regions. Applicants should describe their connection to the area and how the training will impact their activities there. Diversity and Inclusion (10%): Preference will be given to applicants from underrepresented groups in avalanche education, as well as those who can bring diverse perspectives to the community.
Application Timeline:
Applications Open: October 1 – 30, 2024
Selection and Notification: Awardees will be notified by November 10, 2024.
