21 Apr Announcing The First Crenchaw Climbing Scholarship

More people of color should be certified mountain guides. To lead in the spirit of that intention The Joy Trip Project is excited to announce the availability of the first Crenchaw Climbing Scholarship for an American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor Course. This opportunity is available to those over 18 years of age who identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color. Best candidates must also be dedicated to advancing the diversity, equity and inclusion of outdoor recreation and environmental conservation as a wilderness guide or trip leader.

This and other scholarship opportunities through the Joy Trip Project are created to honor the memory of Charles Madison Crenchaw, the first Black American to summit Mt. Denali in 1964. Initial funding was raised through direct sales of the book “The Adventure Gap: Changing The Face of The Outdoors”. Additional funds were provided by an Explorers Grant from The National Geographic Society.

Offered in partnership with the Michigan Ice Fest Guides and Downwind Sports this scholarship includes the costs of an AMGA membership, transportation and lodging, plus a modest allowance for course critical equipment and clothing. The recipient of this grant must commit to attend and volunteer as a course instructor during the Michigan Ice Festival in February 2022.

SPI COURSE May 17-19th 2021 Marquette, Michigan

The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program teaches climbing instructors to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting. The SPI is the only internationally recognized single pitch climbing instructor certification program in the United States. This program is the industry standard for facilitating single pitch outdoor rock climbing. It is also a highly beneficial program to complete prior to moving into the AMGA Guide Track Programs.

The SPI Program consists of a 3-day course and separate 2-day assessment. Candidates should meet the required prerequisites prior to attending the course or assessment.

Prerequisites:
• You are a Professional Member of the AMGA.
• You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
• You are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.
• You have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
• You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
• You have led a minimum of 15 traditional rock-climbing routes (any grade).
• You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

Deadline April 30, 2021

To Apply Provide The Following Information

Though this scholarship is available to only one person the application process is meant to identity and encourage those in the BIPOC community who have a sincere interest in a career in the outdoor industry as a climbing guide. In addition to removing the financial barriers to accessing the necessary training and certification, the Joy Trip Project aims to create a community of professional support that can help navigate the pathways toward similar opportunities. Let us know who you are and what assistance you might need.

If you are interested in supporting the effort to diversify the outdoor recreation industry with a financial or product contributions, please contact us at info@joytripproject.com. All cash donations are tax deductible if paid to our fiscal sponsor The Keystone Policy Center, a 501-c3 organization.

“Let us lift as we climb toward something yet higher.”