Are you a person of color who wants to become a guide? Then apply for this brand-new, upcoming 6-month BIPOC-specific Guide Development Program.
Thanks to the partnership of Alpine Ascents International and Edgeworks Climbing, there is now a program designed to increase the representation of BIPOC individuals in the mountain guiding industry. This comprehensive technical curriculum, which is solely dedicated to teaching BIPOC guides, has already distinguished itself as unique and deeply warranted.
“We want our guide staff to be representative of the climbers we want to welcome into the outdoor space,” stated Alpine Ascents, which is located in Washington state. The program also aims to have as many of its instructors be fellow BIPOC guides.
This program is open to anyone who identifies as a person of color and wants to improve their existing climbing skills and develop into a guide. Under the guidance of AMGA-certified guides, the program lasts 8 months and covers a wide range of technical skills.
And for those who meet the SPI course prerequisites, they can take the Washington SPI course and exam (which typically costs $625-650 plus another $450 for the exam) for free. Upon successfully completing the course, students will then be certified as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. But don’t worry if you don’t meet the SPI prerequisites — you can still participate in the BIPOC Guide Development Program.
And those who need extra cash can grab a paid seasonal job working in Alpine Ascents’ gear and logistics department. The hours are 35-40 hours a week, and will also double as a total immersion opportunity. Though, this perk is optional.
Specs
- Location: Washington state
- Cost: Free
- Commitment: 8 months (April 1-November 1, 2023)
Eligibility Requirements
- Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
- Competence in overnight backcountry camping
- One year of personal climbing experience
- Familiarity with basic knots, belaying, and rappelling
- Able to legally work in the United States
Program Outline
- Free Alpine Ascents field training throughout the 2023 summer season
- Free AMGA SPI Course provided by Edgeworks Climbing on October 11-13, 2023
- Opportunities to shadow Alpine Ascents courses/climbs throughout the summer
- Opportunities to shadow Edgeworks Climbing programs throughout the summer
- One Edgeworks Climbing course (Sport Leading, Trad Leading, Rock Rescue, or multipitch) of your choice
- Monthly check-ins with Alpine Ascents Guide Department
- Direct mentorship from current Alpine Ascents and Edgeworks guides
- Free climbing gym membership at Edgeworks Climbing
Schedule Itinerary
- April 1: Physical Conditioning for Mountaineering (virtual)
- April 14-16: Three-day Glacier Focused Training, Lower Nisqually Glacier
- May 20: One-day Navigation & Tour Planning Seminar, Snoqualmie Pass
- June 24: Technical Rope Skills, Exit 38
- August 6: Efficiency in 4th and Low 5th Class Terrain, Mount Erie
- September 22-24: Three-day Alpine Rock Training, Washington Pass
- October 11-13: SPI Course provided by Edgeworks (participants must meet SPI pre-requisites)
- October-November: Applying for a Guiding Job + Individual Check-Ins (virtual/Seattle)
Certifications Upon Successful Completion
- Alpine Ascents AIARE Level 1 Course
- Alpine Ascents AIARE Rescue Course
- Edgeworks AMGA SPI Exam
How to Apply
The application period is from November 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023. Six applicants will then be selected to join the program in Washington state.
To apply, send a cover letter, a resume, and answers to three application questions to dei@alpineascents.com.
More BIPOC Guide Programs & Organizations
Aside from Alpine Ascents’ new program, there are other organizations and courses that BIPOC individuals can enroll in for additional training to prepare them for a leadership role.
The North Carolina Outward Bound School’s Fellowship for BIPOC Staff is a paid 6-month fellowship position for BIPOC individuals. This fellowship is designed to increase diversity in the outdoor professional community in North Carolina (and beyond).
The components include Wilderness First Aid, rock climbing, whitewater paddling, backpacking, ropes courses, and more. This is a great opportunity for those in the area or who can relocate for the duration of the program. However, the training isn’t as robust as it is with Alpine Ascents’ BIPOC Guide Development Program.
Another program to consider is the NOLS Southwest Leaders of Color Expeditions. This 9-day program is particularly great for those with limited time who want to gain hands-on experience in the outdoors but with a more broad overview.
However, unlike many other options already out there, Alpine Ascents’ program stands out because it offers a great deal of technical training, ongoing guidance, and the chance to get an AMGA SPI Certification free of charge.
If you or anyone you know meets the program’s eligibility requirements and is wanting to become a guide, don’t forget to apply before January 1, 2023.
Outdoor Scholarships: BIPOC and Women’s Opportunities This Year
