Women’s Scholarships

Shifting Gears is dedicated to removing barriers for all women to attend our programs. We are excited to offer scholarships as part of our commitment to providing outdoor opportunities for all. See our current scholarship opportunities below.

Winter Program Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Shifting Gears and Cascade Mountain Ascents Women's Winter Program Scholarship removes financial barriers for women and non-binary individuals seeking to participate in Shifting Gears’ winter outdoor recreation programs. Scholarships ensure that cost never prevents someone from experiencing the transformative benefits of outdoor recreation, community, and personal growth. We believe all people should have access to, and feel belonging in the outdoors, regardless of financial means. 

This scholarship can be applied to select women's winter programs through Shifting Gears' partnership with Cascade Mountain Ascents: Intro to Backcountry Skiing, AIARE 1 Avalanche Course, AIARE 2 Avalanche Course, or AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course.

Award Amount

  • Full scholarships cover 100% of the program fees

  • Partial scholarships cover 25-75% of program fees

  • Fees are based on the Sponsored tier pricing of the courses

  • The number of awards depends on annual fund availability

Donate to the Fund

To donate to the Women’s EnPOWDERment Fund, please click the donation link below and write “Winter Scholarship” in the Dedicate this Donation - In Honor Of section of the donation form.

Donate to the Fund

Scholarship Eligibility

The applicant:

  • Identifies as woman or non-binary

  • Resides in Whatcom or Skagit County, WA

  • Demonstrates financial need based on household income

  • Commits to full participation in selected program

  • Completes scholarship application by deadline

Deadline

This application has a rolling deadline, please submit your scholarship application at least one month before the start date of your desired course. See our full program calendar here.

Selection Process

Applications reviewed by the Shifting Gears Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are primarily awarded based on financial barriers and the benefits your participation would provide to you or your family, and your community. We are also evaluating each applicant'salignment with our core values of self-agency, adventure, community, education, and volunteerism. Selection is based on:

  • Financial need (40%)

  • Motivation and alignment with program goals (30%)

  • Alignment with Shifting Gears values (20%)

  • Community impact potential (10%)

How to Apply

Click the link below to apply for the scholarship or email info@letsshiftgears.com to request a printable version of the application form that can be mailed or emailed to us. Thank you!

Apply for the Scholarship

FAQs

  • You can apply through this link, or you can request the application in document format via email at info@letsshiftgears.com. You can then email or mail in your application to Shifting Gears.

  • The Shifting Gears Scholarship Committee will review scholarships as they come in and decisions made within 2 weeks of application deadline. All applicants are notified via email. Decisions are final.

  • The amount awarded will be based available funds, number of applicants, and the contents of your application. Our goal is to make these programs financially accessible and will do our best to grant the most we can based on how much we have to offer!

  • The Women’s Winter Program Scholarship can be applied to several of our courses with Cascade Mountain Ascents (CMA): Intro to Backcountry Skiing, AIARE 1 Avalanche Course, AIARE 2 Avalanche Course, or AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course. CMA will adjust the cost of the course for the scholarship recipient for their chosen program. Please notify Shifting Gears promptly if you become unable to attend the winter program.