ALDHA-West stands in solidarity with the black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) community. We believe that long-distance trails and all public lands should be accessible, safe, and welcoming spaces for people of all races, ethnicity, and backgrounds. We recognize that the outdoors, and specifically long-distance trails, have not been a welcoming and safe space for hikers of color.

 

We are committed to making justice, equity, diversity, and belonging a cornerstone of our organization, and we are in it for the long haul. We have secured a grant from the Live for a Living Foundation to support our work towards these important values.

 

In addition to using a portion of the grant to fund BIPOC speakers at our events, we are excited to announce the launch of our 2024 ALDHA-West Diversity Scholarship program. Three (3) BIPOC hikers will each receive $2,500 AND a gear package provided by our incredible ALDHA-West Sponsors. We intend to help bridge the gap in funding and gear that has kept the recipients of these scholarships from hiking the trails of their dreams.

 

Requirements to Applicants

1. Applicants must identify as BIPOC (black, indigenous, or other person of color)

2. Applicants must **intend to attempt a continuous hike at least 150 miles in 2024

3. Applicants must fill out the ALDHA-West Diversity Scholarship application

 

Requirement for Recipients

1. Recipients must agree and sign the ALDHA-West Diversity Scholarship terms and conditions

2. Social Media Post: Recipients must post at least one (1) update from trail and tag or invite as collaborator "ALDHA-West". For recipients without social media accounts we will work with you to find an alternate option

3. Post-Trip Report: A trip report (format up to recipient) that we will publish on social media and/or website. **The intended hike must be attempted but completion is not required.

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Process

1. The ALDHA-West Diversity Scholarship Committee will announce the recipients in March 2024

2. The $2,500 scholarship and sponsor gear package will be sent to the recipients after selection

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