This list is a roundup of scholarships and programs for self-identified Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) or individuals from underrepresented groups that are looking to break into outdoors and conservation careers. These recommendations offer support for varying skill levels, ranging from science-based conservation scholarships to avalanche training for future leaders looking to build a career in the outdoors space.
Build a Career in Conservation
Washington Conservation Action’s Bullitt Prize
This $100,000 Fellowship is open to graduate students attending school in British Columbia, Washington State, and Oregon who have overcome adversity, can demonstrate strong leadership potential, and are focused on work to safeguard the natural environment by promoting responsible human activities and sustainable communities in the Emerald Corridor, stretching from Vancouver, BC to Portland, OR, west of the Cascade mountains.
Ray Fellowship For Undergrads Seeking Environmental Careers
The RAY Fellowship Program is a two-year paid fellowship designed to equip recent college graduates with the tools, experiences, support, and community they need to become leaders in the conservation and clean energy sectors. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to equity, environmental justice, racial justice, and social change. This program is for those who are within three years of having received their undergraduate degree and those who have not had a full-time job in conservation or clean energy.
Wild Fish For All Scholarship
The RAY Fellowship Program is a two-year paid fellowship designed to equip recent college graduates with the tools, experiences, support, and community they need to become leaders in the conservation and clean energy sectors. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to equity, environmental justice, racial justice, and social change. This program is for those who are within three years of having received their undergraduate degree and those who have not had a full-time job in conservation or clean energy.
Become a Leader in Outdoor Recreation
Trail Mixed Collective for Women of Color
This organization aims to make the outdoors more accessible by increasing the diversity of women in outdoor sports through education, inspiration, access, and mentorship. They host meet-ups, courses, gear swaps, and beginner-friendly events that will get you on mountainous terrain with the right gear.
Blackbird BIPOC Avalanche Course Scholarship
Learn how to handle the backcountry with these avalanche-focused scholarships through Blackbird Mountain Guides. Courses bring participants out in the field to learn foundational skills needed for future guides to make the right decisions on avalanche terrain in Washington. They combine an interactive online course with several days at Mt Baker or Snoqualmie Pass to prepare future leaders in avalanche survival, safety, and rescue.
NOLS Instructor-in-Training Program
This action-packed program will bring self-identified BIPOC out to Wyoming for a several-weeks long expedition through mountains and canyons. This mentorship and training program builds wilderness, leadership, and teaching skills necessary to work in the outdoor education field. Folks in this program gain experience in how to run operational support for a large-scale wilderness education program, as well as participate in a one-week canyon expedition and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training.
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