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.

The 2026/2027 application window opens on September 1, 2026, and closes on October 30, 2026. Recipients will be announced by the end of November.

A3 Board of Directors' Pro-Training Scholarships

The American Avalanche Association Board of Directors is pleased to offer two Professional Training Scholarships for the 2026/2027 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: October 30, 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: October 30, 2026

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: October 30, 2026

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: October 30, 2026

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

Questions about scholarships ? Contact us at a3@avalanche.org.