NOTICE: Our Strategic Plan includes a goal to ensure that our scholarships are sustainable. Scholarship funds are more robust when they’re endowed. In an effort to work toward sustainability, we are reviewing our scholarship process in order to provide consistent support for emerging outdoor leaders and educators. We will keep you updated as we make decisions about how to move forward. The WEA Board of Directors has issued a hold on the giving of scholarships until an endowment plan is in place. Consider contributing toward the endowment of these funds by giving today.*

Kitty Drury Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1989, the Drury Scholarship for Instructor Development was made possible by the creation of a permanent fund in memory of WEA founding member Katharine "Kitty" Drury. The Drury Scholarship is a funding source to benefit aspiring outdoor leaders who wish to further their professional development as participants on WEA courses related to becoming a WEA Outdoor Educator. Drury Scholarships for Instructor Development are awarded for course costs or expenses associated with participating in any of the following: Certified Outdoor Leader or Outdoor Educator programs or courses associated with attaining Certifying Examiner status. Secondary consideration will be allowed for Outdoor Leadership Training Courses (OLTC) or for Wilderness First Responder certification or recertification.

Pete Petersen Memorial Scholarship

Pete Petersen played a significant role in the early formation of the WEA in the late 1970s when he served as an outfitter for WEA courses operating out of the Paul Petzoldt Lodge in Driggs, Idaho. Pete's strong will and personality influenced hundreds of students and instructors who made their way through the Lodge during his tenure there. He often regaled them with conversations ranging from world history to beans to cornbread. Upon Pete's death in February of 1992, the WEA set up the Pete Petersen Memorial Scholarship for Outdoor Leadership Development, which has been used to assist individuals who wish to take training through the WEA to advance themselves as outdoor educators.

Other Funding Sources

While we are not awarding scholarships until the funds are endowed, several other organizations offer scholarships. Use the links below to learn more about a few opportunities.

• American Mountain Guide Association
• Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education
• Longleaf Wilderness Medicine
• NOLS Wilderness Medicine
• SOLO Wilderness Medical Schools