Summit Scholarship Blog
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The AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation exists to break down barriers to entry to the big mountain realm for women from all walks of life. We provide funding for women to participate in extraordinary all-female mountaineering expeditions, skill-building trips, and stepping-stone experiences.
Summit Scholarship Blog
3w ago
By: Tash Orellanos
The week before the rafting trip began, I was traveling through Colorado, scoping out possible towns to move to in the coming years while feeling the itch more and more to break out of the bubble that is my hometown of Miami. Admittedly, some things went awry in Colorado (to put it lightly), and I was left alone, panicking, and for the first time, breaking down in tears to my mother on the phone, who was over 1,000 miles away. I couldn't even begin to fathom how the next coming days would be some of the most cherished in my life.
I arrived in Utah two days before the rafting ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
1M ago
Today marks an exciting milestone for the Summit Scholarship Foundation. As Executive Director of the Foundation, I am proud to announce our merger with The Cairn Project, creating the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure (GEA Alliance). This merger represents the next step in our journey to advance gender equity by providing transformative outdoor opportunities for women, girls, and gender-diverse adventurers.
Read the official GEA Alliance press release
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At the Summit Scholarship Foundation, we’ve always beli ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
1M ago
By: Carol Kimenya
As I write this, it’s been a few months since my journey to Cordillera Blanca, Peru—my first mountain outside the continent of Africa. I’m now back in Addis, reflecting on those unforgettable weeks this summer…
This adventure took months of meticulous planning and behind-the-scenes work. Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for the support from the Summit Scholarship Foundation. From the moment the announcement was made, they were by my side—helping with visa documents, offering encouragement when things got tough, and cheering me on through social media as the departure d ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
1M ago
Samar on the summit of Elbrus.
Samar, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, is redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in every sense. Hailing from a small village in the Hindukush Mountains of Pakistan, she has faced enormous challenges—both on and off the mountains—but her resilience, determination, and passion for the outdoors continue to push her forward. Samar recently made headlines when she not only summited Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak but became the first Pakistani to snowboard down its slopes. Now, she’s preparing for an exciting new chapter: climbing Aconcagua ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
4M ago
Aubryanna, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, embodies the spirit of adventure and perseverance. Balancing a rigorous schedule of figure skating, dance practice, and schoolwork, Aubryanna still finds time to fuel her passion for the outdoors.
Her journey towards discovering her love for the great outdoors began with summer visits to see her uncle in New Mexico, where she was introduced to rock climbing, bouldering, and the immense beauty of the mountains. Aubryanna’s love for the outdoors has continued to grow over the years, fueled by the adrenaline and fun of her first out ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
4M ago
Cheri, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, is a passionate adventurer with a deep love for the outdoors. From her early family camping trips to her ambitious dreams of backpacking across continents, Cheri's story is marked by a profound connection to nature and a determination to overcome barriers to outdoor recreation.
From a young age, Cheri's love for the outdoors was nurtured through family camping trips to Lake Chelan and hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The peace and serenity of the natural world captured her heart, and her passion for outdoor adventures has only grown since th ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
4M ago
Kasia, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, is a passionate adventurer eager to connect with a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Kasia's journey began with support from a friend and an overly heavy coat, and it has evolved into a profound commitment not only in the outdoors but also to gender equity and Indigenous representation both on and off the trail.
As Kasia reflects on that first moment of awe in the outdoors, our own tales and trails come to mind, ripe with trials and tribulations. Kasie shares,
“I vividly remember feeling a sense of awe and wonder as ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
4M ago
Leo, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, is an avid backpacker and backcountry enthusiast eager to connect with a community of like-minded and motivated adventurers. Their journey is deeply intertwined with their advocacy for gender equity, pushing for safe spaces and legal protections for LGBTQIA+ community members in Idaho. As Leo puts it,
"Gender equity starts in our communities, where safe spaces are created and maintained so all voices are heard."
Leo's passion for outdoor adventures began early. They recall family camping trips where playing in the woods opened up a new ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
5M ago
Luna, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, has been dreaming of adventures since she was little. But for Luna, an expedition to Mount Baker is more than just a fun activity (which we have no doubt it will be). This opportunity aligns deeply with Luna’s passion for the great outdoors and her unwavering commitment to women’s rights, especially in the outdoors.
The commitment that Luna has toward the great outdoors is unparalleled. She’s had various goals, from hiking every Sunday to now, immersing herself in the mountaineering community in preparation for Mount Baker. What we lo ..read more
Summit Scholarship Blog
6M ago
Reana, one of our 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, understands the significance that gender equity carries on and off the mountain. As a Bangladeshi Muslim, societal norms seek to limit Reana’s possibilities, but what these narratives actually do is fuel their personal commitment to dismantle these norms and advocate for gender equity across all facets of life.
Joining the Kinship Climbing Collective in high school was a turning point for Reana’s connection with the outdoors and the transformative power of lifting up young women and genderqueer individuals. Reana recogniz ..read more