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:

  1. 3-5 scholarships will be available each season to women seeking an Avy 1, Avy 2, or a beginner snowmachine-specific course.
  2. Scholarships must be used within one year of being awarded.
  3. 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.
  4. Potential recipients must write a request, no more than two pages, to the Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center scholarship committee that includes:
    • A brief candidate resume/bio ;
    • Course name and dates ; and
    • An explanation of why the applicant feels she should be awarded the scholarship.

The deadline for applications is December 1. Requests will be reviewed and awarded by the end of the calendar year. To apply, email your request to chugachavyfriends@gmail.com or submit by mail to:

Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center
PO Box 242482
Anchorage, AK 99524-2482

Amy Downing Avalanche Scholarship Fund Funders
Mick Bradway Paul Ferucci Tuck Hayes Jillian Jablonski
Jonathan M Janis Davis - Johnson FamilyKatie Ronsse Libby Jennifer MacLaughlin
Lauren Manuel Jeff MoskowitzBill Pearson Philip Peterson
Matt Schwartz Carolyn Seramur Michael Smith Jessica Goldberger and Jeremy Wood

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:

  1. Two (2) Scholarships available: Avalanche Professionals ($500) and Recreational ($500)
  2. Scholarships must be used within one year of being awarded.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

The deadline for applications is December 1. Requests will be reviewed and awarded by the end of the calendar year. To apply, email your request to chugachavyfriends@gmail.com or submit by mail to:

Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center
PO Box 242482
Anchorage, AK 99524-2482

Rob Hammel Avalanche Scholarship Fund Funders
Mick Bradway Carolyn Brodin Heather & Mike Durtschi Leah Ellis
Deb Essex John Halverson Raina Hammel & Richard SegalTuck Hayes
Jillian Jablonski Jonathan M Janis Donna Jefferson Davis - Johnson Family
Gary And Sue LevevierJennifer MacLaughlin Lauren Manuel Bill Pearson
Philip Peterson Matt Schwartz Carolyn Seramur Michael Smith
Patricia Walker