Boulder, CO—The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 AMGA Affinity Programs. Since 2018, the AMGA, with support of community and corporate partners, has been able to offer 32 Affinity Programs for 231 participants with scholarships totaling $253,744. The AMGA is looking forward to continuing this important work and will be offering nine AMGA Affinity Programs in 2024.
AMGA Affinity Programs play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment and breaking down barriers to empower individuals who may have traditionally faced limited access or representation in the industry. AMGA Affinity Programs provide like-minded spaces, mentorship, and networking that enables aspiring guides and instructors from under-served communities to feel supported while they develop their skills and pursue careers in the field.
“The power of affinity programs became evident to me during those early interactions. The program served as a bridge that connected people who had felt like outsiders in the broader context of climbing and outdoor communities. It was a place where we could not only learn the technical skills of climbing but also find a sense of belonging and acceptance that had often eluded us in other settings.” – 2023 AMGA Affinity Program Participant
AMGA Affinity Programs have been developed in collaboration with a distinguished lineup of corporate partners, including The North Face, Black Diamond, Arc’teryx, and Mountain Hardwear. These industry leaders and the AMGA share a vision for elevating the mountain guiding and climbing instruction professions through diversity and inclusivity. The support provided by corporate partners creates a welcoming and financially-accessible pathway into these professions that might not have existed otherwise.
2024 AMGA Affinity Programs include a Women’s Ski Guide Course, Women’s Rock Guide Course, BIPOC Rock Guide Course, LGBTQIA2S+ Single Pitch Instructor Course and Assessment, Women’s Single Pitch Instructor Course and Assessment, and BIPOC Single Pitch Instructor Course.
Additional information can be found on the AMGA website.
About the AMGA
The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization that provides training and certification for climbing instructors, mountain guides, and ski guides throughout the United States. Founded in 1979, the AMGA institutes international standards for the mountain guiding profession and serves as an educational body for land management agencies, guide services, outdoor clubs, and others wishing to establish internationally-recognized standards for guided climbing and skiing activities.
