Scholarships

  • Backpackers are treated to stunning views of the Yukon's alpine lakes. Backpackers are treated to stunning views of the Yukon's alpine lakes.
  • A playground for mountaineering, alpine climbing and ski mountaineering A playground for mountaineering, alpine climbing and ski mountaineering
  • Haines is an epicenter for heli-skiing in Alaska Haines is an epicenter for heli-skiing in Alaska
  • The Chilkat Inlet offers great paddling opportunties through pristine waters The Chilkat Inlet offers great paddling opportunties through pristine waters
  • Brown bear and cubs along the Alaska shoreline are just some of the wildlife you might see. Brown bear and cubs along the Alaska shoreline are just some of the wildlife you might see.
     

Scholarships

IWLS offers scholarships to motivated and deserving individuals dedicated to developing their personal and professional leadership skills. These scholarships are intended to offset some, but not all, of the cost.

All decisions regarding scholarships are made by a committee comprised of representatives from administration and operations. Scholarship candidates are evaluated individually. Scholarships provide opportunities for people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to come to IWLS. Awards vary in size and structure and will be considered for the complete spectrum of our courses.

We’ll help you to enroll in one of our courses and develop your professional and personal skill set. Find the course that best fits your personal and professional development.

Please Note: IWLS Scholarships are non-transferable and apply specifically to the student and courses determined by the IWLS scholarship committee.Scholarships can not be applied retroactively after payment has been made in full.

Who can apply for a scholarship?
Anyone! IWLS scholarships provide opportunities for people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to come to IWLS. While we do not guarantee scholarships to anyone who applies, we encourage anyone to apply.
 
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Download our Scholarship Application PDF. Fill it out and email it to our office.
 
Where do I send my application?
Email it to our offices, or print it out and send it to our physical address.
 
Do I need to add any additional documents to my application?
Only if you need additional space to answer questions or attach references. Otherwise, no other documents are necessary.
 
Who reviews the applications?
All decisions regarding scholarships are made by a committee comprised of representatives from administration and operations. They have experience in outdoor education, guiding, leadership, and operations. Many of them are former IWLS guides!
 
What is the committee looking for?
The committee is looking for an applicant with a strong desire to begin (or continue) their outdoor education and leadership skills. Applicants with a strong appreciation and regard for the environment, wild places, responsibility, determination, and drive are excellent candidates.
The committee will take socioeconomic circumstances into consideration, as well. IWLS wants students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to be able to experience these exciting and rewarding programs!
 
When will I hear back about my scholarship application?
Typically 2-3 weeks after your application is submitted. Be sure to submit your application soon after submitting your initial deposit.
 
Can I apply for just 1 course, or several courses?
Prospective students can submit their application for a single course or multiple. If seeking a scholarship for more than 1 course (i.e. semester programs), please specify how many courses/semesters you plan to take in your application. Applicants should only submit one scholarship form regardless of how many courses they are applying for.
 
How much do you typically award for scholarships?
Typically between 10%-15% of the total course cost. However, scholarship awards can vary with each student; we will determine the merit of the scholarship award on an individual basis.
Application Process:

  • Enroll in one of our exciting Guide & Leadership courses!
  • Download the IWLS Scholarship Application PDF (Adobe required).
  • Fill out the application. You will need Adobe to download and edit the PDF. If you are unable to do so, please contact us and we can provide you with alternative forms. Please include your 3 references, including email, relationship to you, and phone number.
  • Email your completed application to our IWLS office.