Scholarships
A3 believes financial barriers shouldn't prevent qualified individuals from advancing their avalanche safety knowledge or pursuing professional training. Our scholarships not only support individual career development but also help build a skilled workforce for employers. By investing in professional training and education opportunities, we strengthen the entire avalanche industry.
ISSW 2026 Young Professional Scholarship
The A3 Board of Directors is committed to supporting professional education opportunities. We are proud to provide the following Young Professional Scholarship to an individual presenting at ISSW 2026 in Whistler, British Columbia. Applications will be evaluated on innovation, relevance, and the connection between research and practise.
Guidelines & Requirements:
The recipient must submit an abstract to the ISSW Scientific Committee as the presenting author
Recipient must be 30 years or younger as of May 1, 2026.
Recipient must be a US-based avalanche professional or student - you do not need to be an A3 member to apply
Award: Full Conference Registration + $500 Travel Stipened
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Peter Lev Memorial Scholarship
Peter Lev was a pioneering mountain guide, a respected avalanche forecaster, a thoughtful teacher, and a lifelong student of the mountains. His career influenced generations of climbers, patrollers, and avalanche forecasters. The Peter Lev Memorial Scholarship celebrates his lifelong contributions and keeps his memory alive by providing support for emerging mountain professionals.
This scholarship will be awarded to someone who demonstrates a commitment to a career as a guide, patroller, or avalanche forecaster.
Award: $2,500
Applicable Use: Pro 1 or Pro 2 Course
Supported by: Peter Lev’s family and friends
Deadline: January 5, 2026
Rob Coppolillo Memorial Scholarship
Rob Coppolillo was an accomplished IFMGA mountain guide, humorous writer and author, engaging avalanche course instructor, unforgettable storyteller, and dedicated mentor in the mountains. The Rob C. Memorial Scholarship seeks to honor his legacy and keep his memory alive by uplifting the next generation of aspiring mountain guides and avalanche educators.
Launched in fall 2024, this scholarship will be awarded annually to an A3 Professional or Affiliate Member who demonstrates a commitment to a career in guiding and/or avalanche education.
Award: $3,000 (course + travel)
Applicable Use: Pro 1 or Pro 2 Course
Supported by: Anonymous Donor
Deadline: December 22, 2025
Aspiring Professional Scholarships
A3's Aspiring Professional Scholarships are intended to support members who are in the early stages of their careers, but who are dedicated to building livelihoods within the avalanche industry. Two scholarships will be awarded annually, and one will be reserved for female-identifying avalanche workers.
Award 1: $2,000
Award 2 - Women's Specific: $2,000
Applicable Use: Pro 1 or Pro 2 Courses
Supported by: Anonymous Donors
Deadline: December 22, 2025
David Pettigrew Memorial Scholarship
The American Avalanche Association is pleased to offer the David Pettigrew Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is intended to support A3 members from the Pacific Northwest (Oregon or Washington) who are taking their Professional Level 1 or Professional Level 2 Avalanche Course. This annual scholarship is given each winter in memory of David Pettigrew, who grew up on Mercer Island, WA.
Award: $2,000
Applicable Use: Pro 1 or Pro 2 Courses
Supported by: David Pettigrew Memorial Foundation
Deadline: December 22, 2025
A3 Board of Directors' Pro-Training Scholarships
The American Avalanche Association Board of Directors is pleased to offer two Professional Training Scholarships for the 2025/2026 winter season. One scholarship will be awarded to a student completing their Professional Level 1 Course and one scholarship will be awarded to a student completing their Professional Level 2 course.
Pro 1 Award: $1,500
Pro 2 Award: $1,500
Supported by: A3 Board of Directors
Deadline: December 22, 2025
Backcountry Access Women's Specific Scholarships
Backcountry Access and the American Avalanche Association are proud to support female-identifying avalanche workers. This season, three (3) $1,500 scholarships will be offered to women taking their Professional Level 1 or Professional Level 2 Avalanche Courses. These scholarships are offered exclusively to female-identifying A3 Professional and Affiliate Members in the hopes of continuing to support the professional development of female avalanche workers.
Award 1: $1,500
Award 2: $1,500
Award 3: $1,500
Applicable Use: Pro 1 or Pro 2 Courses
Supported by: Backcountry Access
Deadline: December 22, 2025
Questions about scholarships ? Contact us at a3@avalanche.org.