Are you a BIPOC hiker dreaming of a long-distance adventure but unsure how to make it happen? The 2025 ALDHA-West Diversity Scholarship could be just what you’re looking for. This program aims to make long-distance hiking accessible and welcoming for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color by addressing some of the financial and logistical barriers often faced by BIPOC hikers.
ALDHA-West (The American Long-Distance Hiking Association-West) is dedicated to promoting equity and belonging in the outdoors. Through a grant from the Live for a Living Foundation and support from their sponsors, ALDHA-West is offering four scholarships of $2,500 each, along with gear packages tailored for long-distance hiking. The organization says this initiative reflects its commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the hiking community.
Each recipient will receive:
This program not only provides financial support but also helps ensure recipients are equipped with quality gear to make their hiking dreams a reality.
The scholarship is open to individuals who:
Scholarship recipients will be asked to:
Online applications opened on December 2, 2024, and will close on February 15, 2025. A dedicated ALDHA-West committee will select recipients, who will be notified in March 2025. Funds and gear packages will be provided shortly thereafter, giving recipients plenty of time to plan and prepare for their 2025 hikes.
Historically, outdoor spaces and long-distance trails haven’t always been welcoming to everyone. Barriers ranging from cost to cultural perceptions of safety have historically excluded BIPOC hikers, resulting in a stark lack of diversity on long-distance hiking trails. Programs like this scholarship are a step toward creating a more inclusive outdoor community where all hikers can feel safe and supported.
If you’re eligible, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Start planning your adventure today by applying before February 15, 2025.
For more details and to access the application, visit ALDHA-West’s website.
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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
I’m Katie, a thru-hiker and ultrarunner based in Colorado. After thru-hiking the Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in back-to-back years, I’m looking forward to a little time of rest, relaxation, and writing. Or, who knows, maybe the AT. No one has ever accused me of being good at sitting still. Follow along on my journey with the articles below, or through my photography on Instagram (@k80.trail).
