DiRtBaG Scholarships
DiRtBaG stands for…
Discount Rates that Benefit all Genders
“Dirtbag” is a climbing term attributed to someone so dedicated to the sport of rock climbing that they will literally sleep in the dirt at the base of a wall just so they can get an alpine start on an epic climb in the morning. They wake up in their sleeping bags, dirty and ready to rock.
At HoWL, we offer DiRtBaG Scholarships so that every student who wants to HoWL can HoWL. We always sleep in the dirt (well okay, usually in tents and sometimes on ice), but we recognize and celebrate young folks committed to pursuing their passion, regardless of the cost.
Need-Based Scholarships
HoWL believes that all youth excited to HoWL should have the opportunity, regardless of financial barriers. The need-based scholarship program is available for youth who would otherwise not be able to participate in a HoWL program due to the cost. HoWL awards both full and partial scholarships. Need-based scholarships are considered on a rolling basis until all scholarship funds for the season have been awarded.
DiRtBaG Clean-Up-Week
Every April, when the snow melts and reveals the litter on the sidewalks, forests, trails and beaches of Homer, HoWL DiRtBaGs clean it up. DiRtBaGs can earn scholarships for their HoWL expeditions by collecting pledges for the trash they pick-up. Local businesses and community members support the DiRtBaGs and HoWL’s scholarship program through donations during Clean-Up Week. Since 2010, 900 DiRtBaGs have cleaned up 1720 bags of trash!
David Cosman Scholarship
In 2021, HoWL and Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) had the joy of having David Cosman on their educator team. In memory of the enthusiastic spirit that David brought to HoWL and CACS, the David Cosman Award celebrates youth who are curious and passionate about the natural world. Award recipients must demonstrate their outdoor interests through a creative project, and receive full scholarships to participate in both a HoWL and CACS trip of their choosing. To apply, youth must be 12-16 years old and live in Alaska.
Please Support HoWLers!
HoWL is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit. To keep our expeditions accessible, HoWL prices all trips below their cost and awards scholarships on top of that. Grants and donations from our community supporters help us make up the difference. Your contribution to HoWL, be it cash, in-kind donations, volunteer work, or a reference to a friend helps HoWL continue to foster its vision and mission.