Scholarships
A3 scholarships are reserved for A3 members.
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Scholarships for Professional Training
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, we strengthen the entire avalanche industry.
Scholarships for the 2025-26 season will be announced on November 1, 2025.
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 16, 2024
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 16, 2024
Avalanche Infrastructure Management Pro 2 Scholarship
The American Avalanche Association and Avalanche Infrastructure Management are pleased to create a scholarship opportunity for individuals taking their Pro 2 Course. This scholarship is reserved for A3 members with 5+ years of industry experience and preference is given to those in ski patrol/mitigation roles.
Award: $1,500-$2,000
Applicable Use: Pro 2 Courses
Supported by: Avalanche Infrastructure Management
Deadline: December 16, 2024
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 13, 2024
Mountain Queers Pro-Training Scholarship
Mountain Queers is dedicated to providing stories, resources, and community made by and for queer people in the outdoors. They are excited to partner with the Utah Avalanche Center and the American Avalanche Association to provide an LGBTQIA+ Pro-Training Scholarship for winter 2024-2025.
Award: $1,500
Applicable Use: Pro 1 or Pro 2 Courses
Supported by: Mountain Queers, Utah Avalanche Center
Deadline: December 13, 2024
A3 Board of Directors' Pro-Training Scholarships
The American Avalanche Association Board of Directors is pleased to offer two Professional Training Scholarships for the 2024/2025 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 13, 2024
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 16, 2024
Questions about scholarships ? Contact us at the emails listed above or reach out through our general contact form.