Get Paid To Thru-Hike: Apply Now to ALDHA-West’s Diversity Scholarship!

Are you a BIPOC hiker dreaming of a long-distance adventure but unsure how to make it happen? The 2025 ALDHA-West Diversity Scholarship could be just what you’re looking for. This program aims to make long-distance hiking accessible and welcoming for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color by addressing some of the financial and logistical barriers often faced by BIPOC hikers.

ALDHA-West (The American Long-Distance Hiking Association-West) is dedicated to promoting equity and belonging in the outdoors. Through a grant from the Live for a Living Foundation and support from their sponsors, ALDHA-West is offering four scholarships of $2,500 each, along with gear packages tailored for long-distance hiking. The organization says this initiative reflects its commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the hiking community.

Scholarship Benefits

Each recipient will receive:

• $2,500 to help cover the costs of their hike
• A gear package provided by ALDHA-West sponsors, including a tent, sleep system, clothing, cook set, and more

This program not only provides financial support but also helps ensure recipients are equipped with quality gear to make their hiking dreams a reality.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is open to individuals who:

• Identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC)
• Plan to attempt a continuous hike of at least 150 miles in 2025

What Are the Expectations for the Recipients?

Scholarship recipients will be asked to:

• Post at least one trail update on social media tagging or collaborating with ALDHA-West (anonymous alternatives are available)
• Submit a post-trip report, which could take any form the recipient chooses, to share their experience with the community

How to Apply

Online applications opened on December 2, 2024, and will close on February 15, 2025. A dedicated ALDHA-West committee will select recipients, who will be notified in March 2025. Funds and gear packages will be provided shortly thereafter, giving recipients plenty of time to plan and prepare for their 2025 hikes.

Why This Matters

Historically, outdoor spaces and long-distance trails haven’t always been welcoming to everyone. Barriers ranging from cost to cultural perceptions of safety have historically excluded BIPOC hikers, resulting in a stark lack of diversity on long-distance hiking trails. Programs like this scholarship are a step toward creating a more inclusive outdoor community where all hikers can feel safe and supported.

If you’re eligible, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Start planning your adventure today by applying before February 15, 2025.

For more details and to access the application, visit ALDHA-West’s website.