Scholarships
Amy Downing Scholarship Fund
Born and raised in Anchorage, Amy was a regular in the Anchorage outdoor community. She lived for adventure and companionship in the backcountry. Amy continually pushed herself to try new things and develop her outdoor skills. She thrived on the feeling of empowerment that wilderness experiences gave her, and was always looking to share those feelings and experiences with others. A gifted connector, she had a natural ability to bring people together, usually outside. Amy’s enthusiasm for skiing and adventure is dearly missed.
The Amy Downing Scholarship Fund offers women the opportunity to gain the skills and equipment necessary to have their own adventures in the backcountry and the chance to experience the same feelings of empowerment and joy that drew Amy to the wilderness.
Donate to the Amy Downing Scholarship Fund: click here for members and here for sponsors. This scholarship was established by Charlie’s Produce, with generous support from Tote Maritime.
Amy Downing Scholarship Application process:
- 3-5 scholarships will be available each season to women seeking an Avy 1, Avy 2, or a beginner snowmachine-specific course.
- Scholarships must be used within one year of being awarded.
- Local courses are offered through the Alaska Guide Collective and Alaska Avalanche School. If you wish to take an out-of-state course, please specify in your application. Eligible courses must conform to national standards.
- Potential recipients must write a request, no more than two pages, to the Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center scholarship committee that includes:
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- A brief candidate resume/bio;
- Course name and dates; and
- An explanation of why the applicant feels she should be awarded the scholarship.
Applications open September 12th, 2024 and accepted through November 22nd, 2024. Requests will be reviewed and awarded soon after. To apply, email your request with subject “Amy Downing Scholarship Application” to chugachavyfriends@gmail.com
| Sarah Baldwin | Hannah Brewster | Brian Dodd | Jb Walker & Peggy Finnegan |
| Eeva Latosuo | Katrina Libby | Bill and Becky Pearson | Matt Schwartz |
| Carolyn Seramur | Fletcher Stevens |
Rob Hammel Scholarship Fund
Rob was an outstanding member of the local community, a veteran ski patroller, and professional colleague with a sincere passion for the outdoors and skiing. He was a dedicated friend and supporter of the CNFAIC and worked to educate the next generation about avalanche safety.
Donate to the Rob Hammel Scholarship Fund: click here for members and here for sponsors. We thank the Hammel family and friends for establishing this memorial scholarship fund to provide avalanche education opportunities to those who cannot afford it.
Rob Hammel Scholarship Application process:
- Two (2) Scholarships available for avalanche professionals and recreational up to $1000.
- Scholarships must be used within one year of being awarded.
- Local courses are offered through the Alaska Guide Collective and Alaska Avalanche School. If you wish to take an out-of-state course, please specify in your application. Eligible courses must conform to national standards.
- Applicants must submit a written request, no more than two pages, to the Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center scholarship committee that includes:
- A brief candidate resume/bio ;
- The scholarship being applied for: Professional or Recreational
- Course name and dates ; and
- An explanation of why the applicant feels he/she should be awarded the scholarship.
In addition to need, applicants for the Avalanche Professional scholarship who will use the training to promote further education and safety (e.g. snow professionals or educators) will be given favor. Scholarship applications for professional workshops or conferences will be considered on a case by case basis.
Applications open September 12th, 2024 and accepted through November 22nd, 2024. Requests will be reviewed and awarded soon after. To apply, email your request with subject “Rob Hammel Scholarship Application” to chugachavyfriends@gmail.com.
| Hannah Brewster | Brian Dodd | John Halverson | Hammel Family |
| Alaska Coastal Safety Llc | Bill and Becky Pearson | Claire Pywell | Matt Schwartz |
| Carolyn Seramur | Fletcher Stevens |