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Black Diamond Elevate Scholarship

A need-based, full-ride scholarship, travel and gear included, offered by Black Diamond in partnership with NOLS for select summer 2026 wilderness expeditions.

The Black Diamond Elevate Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship offered by Black Diamond in partnership with NOLS. It covers tuition, travel, and gear for a select group of students on qualifying NOLS expeditions in summer 2026. The scholarship is designed to open the door to a life-changing wilderness education for people who could not otherwise attend.

Recipients join a NOLS expedition alongside a small team of students and professional instructors, building technical outdoor skills, risk management, and leadership over the course of a full summer semester in the field.

What the scholarship covers

  • Full course tuition for a qualifying summer 2026 expedition
  • Travel to and from the course
  • Expedition gear needed for the course

Who is eligible

This is a need-based scholarship. Eligibility is determined through the NOLS financial aid process, and applicants should be prepared to document their financial situation.

  • Applicants must be 17 years or older.
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need by first completing a NOLS financial aid form.
  • Applicants who qualify financially are then required to complete a follow-up questionnaire.

Application timeline

Key dates

  • Application window: February 17 to March 13, 2026
  • Recipient notification: Mid-April 2026

How to apply

Applying for the Black Diamond Elevate Scholarship is a two-step process tied to the NOLS financial aid system.

  1. Complete the NOLS financial aid form to establish need-based eligibility.
  2. If you qualify financially, complete the follow-up scholarship questionnaire before the March 13, 2026 deadline.

Application links and the current questionnaire are managed by the NOLS financial aid team. For the most up-to-date application steps, forms, and any details not listed here, visit the NOLS financial aid page or contact the admissions and financial aid team directly.

Summer 2026

Eligible courses

The Black Diamond Elevate Scholarship applies to the following NOLS summer semester expeditions. Course details, dates, and availability are confirmed through NOLS admissions.

May 17 to July 30, 2026 · 75 days

Summer Semester in Alaska

A 75-day expedition covering sea kayaking, mountaineering, and backpacking in the Alaskan wilderness.

June 12 to August 18, 2026 · 68 days

Summer Semester in the Rockies

A 68-day expedition covering rock climbing, backpacking, and whitewater paddling in the Rocky Mountains.

Start your scholarship application

Begin with the NOLS financial aid process, or reach out to our admissions and financial aid team with questions about the Black Diamond Elevate Scholarship.

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