57hours, a prominent adventure platform connecting enthusiasts with over 500 professional guides globally, has established the Guide Education Fund to address the significant financial barriers hindering the professional advancement of mountain guides. Recognizing early on that the costs associated with specialized training and certification are often prohibitive, the organization initiated this fund to foster both personal and professional growth within the guiding community, ultimately enhancing safety and expertise across the outdoor industry.
The genesis of the 57hours Guide Education Fund stems directly from an observable need within the adventure guiding sector. As an intermediary platform deeply embedded in the lives and careers of guides worldwide, 57hours gained firsthand insight into the financial strain placed upon individuals pursuing or advancing professional certifications. Critical courses and rigorous examinations, essential for upholding the highest safety standards and delivering unparalleled experiences, frequently carry substantial price tags, encompassing tuition, equipment, and travel. To mitigate these economic challenges, 57hours committed 1% of its annual profits to create a scholarship program. This fund is meticulously designed to offset expenses related to guide courses, certification exams, and necessary travel, thereby democratizing access to elite-level training.
Viktor, a Co-Founder of 57hours, articulated the foundational philosophy behind this initiative, stating, "We started 57hours because we believe in the importance and impact of guides. When it comes to educating outdoor enthusiasts on how to safely enjoy the mountains and preserve our amazing planet, there is no comparison to the knowledge and skill of a fully certified and compassionate AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide." This statement underscores the organization’s conviction that investing in guides is an investment in the safety of adventurers, the preservation of natural environments, and the overall quality of outdoor experiences.
Elevating Professional Standards: The Imperative of Certification
Professional guiding is not merely a pastime; it is a highly skilled profession demanding extensive training, experience, and adherence to stringent safety protocols. The American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) represent the global benchmarks for excellence in mountain guiding. Achieving certification from either of these bodies signifies a guide’s mastery of complex technical skills, risk management, wilderness first aid, and environmental stewardship.
AMGA certification, specific to the United States, involves a multi-stage process covering disciplines such as rock, alpine, and ski guiding. Each discipline requires intensive coursework, practical assessments, and examinations that can span several years and thousands of dollars to complete. For instance, the path to becoming a fully certified AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide typically involves a progression through various levels, from Assistant Guide to Alpine Guide, Rock Guide, and finally, Ski Guide, culminating in the prestigious IFMGA qualification. This rigorous journey ensures that certified guides possess the comprehensive expertise to lead clients safely through diverse and challenging mountainous terrain. The IFMGA, an international body, further validates this expertise, enabling guides to practice globally and assuring clients of a universally recognized standard of professionalism and safety. The financial outlay for these certifications, including course fees, equipment upgrades, travel to remote training locations, and loss of income during training periods, often presents an insurmountable hurdle for many aspiring and current guides.
2024 Scholarship Program: Investing in Future Leaders
For 2024, the 57hours Guide Education Fund is proud to announce the availability of up to $8,000 in scholarship funding. These funds are specifically earmarked for individuals pursuing AMGA and IFMGA certifications, recognizing the critical role these credentials play in shaping competent and responsible outdoor leaders. The scholarship program is structured to support both new entrants to the guiding profession and seasoned guides aiming for higher levels of certification.
A crucial aspect of the 2024 program is its deliberate allocation of resources to promote diversity within the guiding community. Half of the available scholarships are specifically reserved for aspirant female, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and LGBTQ+ guides who are embarking on their guiding journey. This targeted approach seeks to dismantle historical barriers and foster a more inclusive representation in a field that has traditionally lacked diversity. The remaining half of the scholarships is dedicated to current guides who are committed to advancing their careers through further specialized training and certification. This dual-pronged strategy ensures support for both emerging talent and established professionals, contributing to a robust and diverse guiding workforce. Aspiring and current guides ready to take the next step in their professional development are encouraged to apply through the official Guide Education Fund Application portal.
Addressing the Diversity Gap in Outdoor Leadership
The outdoor industry, and particularly the guiding sector, has long grappled with a significant lack of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. This underrepresentation not only limits opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds but also impacts the broader accessibility and cultural relevance of outdoor recreation. The 57hours Guide Education Fund directly confronts this issue by actively supporting individuals from historically marginalized communities.
Statistical data underscores the severity of this disparity. According to reports from the AMGA and IFMGA, out of approximately 170 certified Mountain Guides in the United States, a mere 16 are women. More strikingly, only one of these women, Norie Kizaki, is a woman of color, highlighting the profound lack of representation at the highest echelons of mountain guiding. Kizaki’s achievement as the only woman of color IFMGA Mountain Guide is a landmark, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the long path ahead for true equity. Monserrat Alvarez Matehuala, an AMGA certified SPI and Indigenous Climber, powerfully articulated the significance of Kizaki’s accomplishment in her article "AMGA First: Norie Kizaki on Breaking Trail for BIPOC Women": "The moment I heard that Norie was officially an American Mountain Guide/IFMGA Guide, I teared up and was overwhelmed with pride. I texted some of the Brown Girls Climb crew and later shared her speech from the pinning ceremony. Norie’s achievement was our achievement because she represents the beautiful intersections of her identities." Such testimonials underscore the profound impact of seeing oneself represented in positions of leadership.
The participation gap extends beyond professional guiding to general outdoor recreation. The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report reveals that 72% of outdoor participants in the U.S. are white, compared to only 9% Black, 5% Asian, and 11% Hispanic individuals. These figures illustrate a systemic issue where access, cultural relevance, and perceived belonging create significant barriers for non-white communities. By investing in diverse guides, 57hours aims to create role models and foster environments where a wider array of individuals feel welcome and empowered to explore the outdoors.
The Transformative Power of Representation: "It’s Hard To Be What You Can’t See"
The adage "It’s hard to be what you can’t see" serves as a guiding principle for the diversity-focused initiatives within the 57hours Guide Education Fund. When women see other women confidently leading expeditions, they are more likely to envision themselves in similar roles. Similarly, the presence of people of color as guides and outdoor enthusiasts can significantly lower the entry barrier for others from similar backgrounds, encouraging them to take their first steps into outdoor spaces.
Anthony Leong, one of the first recipients of the 57hours Guide Education Fund scholarship, perfectly embodies this sentiment. In his recent article, "Let the Teaching Be the Guide," Leong articulated his motivation: "By becoming a certified Rock Guide, I want to show other Asians that there is a place for them in the climbing community." His ambition highlights the ripple effect that individual achievements, supported by initiatives like the Guide Education Fund, can have on entire communities. These scholarships do not merely fund training; they cultivate visible role models who can inspire future generations, breaking down cultural and social barriers that have historically limited participation. The 2023 cohort of Guide Education Fund Scholarship Recipients—Anju Samuelson, Carlin Reynolds, Boaz Cesaretti, Jack Bynum, Ericka Johnson, Nate Pakula, Julian Lopez, and Avery Stolte—represent the tangible impact of this commitment, demonstrating the diverse talent pipeline being nurtured. Their journeys serve as beacons for others contemplating a career in guiding.
57hours’ Vision: Fostering a Sustainable Outdoor Community
At its core, 57hours is driven by a profound belief in the positive impact of outdoor experiences on personal well-being. The platform’s mission is to make adventure accessible, safe, and enjoyable for an ever-growing community of enthusiasts by connecting them with trustworthy guides worldwide. This commitment extends beyond simple booking facilitation; it encompasses fostering a vibrant ecosystem where guides can thrive professionally and adventurers can explore confidently.
The Guide Education Fund is an integral component of this broader vision. By investing in the continuous education and certification of guides, 57hours directly contributes to elevating industry standards. Certified guides are not only safer and more skilled but also more likely to build sustainable careers, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their passion. This, in turn, ensures a higher quality of service for clients and promotes a stronger culture of environmental awareness and responsible recreation. Through its platform, 57hours helps guides find clients more efficiently, and through its education fund, it empowers them to pursue the advanced training necessary to grow their businesses and enhance their expertise. This holistic approach strengthens the entire outdoor community, promoting personal well-being, environmental stewardship, and professional excellence. The ongoing commitment to the Guide Education Fund underscores 57hours’ dedication to developing the next generation of highly qualified, diverse, and compassionate mountain guides, thereby enriching the outdoor experience for all. Guides passionate about advancing their careers are encouraged to explore and apply to the Guide Education Fund for these invaluable opportunities.
