Last week, the Outdoor Diversity Alliance (ODA) and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) launched the Outdoor Pathway Scholarship Program. This new initiative, part of the Together Outdoors (TO) coalition, aims to bridge the gap for students from underrepresented communities seeking careers in these fields.
The program offers a substantial $5,000 scholarship distributed over two years to assist students financially. Beyond monetary support, it provides invaluable mentorship and guidance from industry leaders, along with job placement assistance upon graduation. This comprehensive support system is designed to prepare students for successful careers in outdoor and environmental professions.
Applications for the Outdoor Pathway Scholarship opened last week, with a submission deadline of March 28, 2024. Prospective applicants are required to express their connection to the outdoors, personal aspirations, and volunteer experiences either through a 600- to 800-word essay or a three- to five-minute video. Their entries should also outline their dream job within the sector.
The selection process will take place in April, with scholarship recipients announced in early May. Each awardee will be paired with an industry leader who will serve as a mentor for two years, offering guidance and support to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the outdoor and environmental fields.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must be pursuing education related to the outdoor industry or environmental fields and expect to graduate in 2026. This includes sophomores in four-year programs, students commencing two-year programs in the fall, and part-time students. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average, and be enrolled in a school located in the United States, whether attending in-person or online classes.
The scholarship program was developed with insights from ODA’s community advisors, who represent outdoor affinity groups and historically marginalized communities. Their feedback ensures that the program addresses the needs and aspirations of its target demographic effectively.
In May, the ODA and TO will award at least $10,000 in scholarships, with hopes of increasing this amount through additional funding. The initiative welcomes donations from companies or individuals looking to support the cause, promising to extend its reach and impact.
Ambreen Tariq, senior program director at ORR and TO Coalition Lead, emphasized the economic significance of outdoor recreation, generating $1.1 trillion in economic output and supporting nearly 5 million jobs. Tariq highlighted the program’s role in diversifying the industry, thereby enhancing its vibrancy and sustainability.
“Together Outdoors is proud to support this new program for students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in conservation and the outdoors,” Tariq said.
Lestarya Molloy, founder & CEO at Fridie Outdoors and a woman of color who studied environmental economics and policy, shared her perspective on the importance of inclusivity in environmental roles. She pointed out that the scholarship is a signal to students from underrepresented backgrounds that they are valued and needed in the industry.
“As a woman of color who studied environmental economics and policy at University of California Berkeley, I know first-hand this scholarship signals to students that they can solve issues they care about as a career,” Molloy said.
Teresa Baker, an ODA board member and founder of the In Solidarity Project, reiterated the importance of the scholarship in providing not only financial assistance but also mentorship. This combination is crucial for students to navigate their career paths successfully in the outdoor and environmental sectors.
The launch of the Outdoor Pathway Scholarship Program marks a significant step towards making the outdoor recreation industry more inclusive and diverse. By supporting students from underrepresented communities, the initiative not only enriches the industry with fresh perspectives and talents but also ensures a more sustainable and vibrant future for outdoor recreation.
Did you know that the Outdoor Pathway Scholarship is not just about mentorship? It also provides financial aid for tuition and books. Plus, they’re organizing networking events and workshops to help students in the outdoor industry and environmental fields. Pretty awesome support for our future leaders, right?
Check out how this scholarship program goes the extra mile by not just offering financial aid but also connecting students with industry mentors. It’s a fantastic way to support underrepresented talent!