The Packrafting Scholarship
A need-based scholarship for a 10-day NOLS packrafting course based out of NOLS Alaska, presented by the American Packrafting Association, Alpacka Raft, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, and NOLS.
The Packrafting Scholarship is a need-based scholarship that opens the backcountry rivers of Alaska to people who face barriers to the outdoors. It is presented together by the American Packrafting Association, Alpacka Raft, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, and NOLS, and it awards one recipient a place on a 10-day NOLS packrafting course based out of NOLS Alaska.
Packrafting pairs lightweight, packable boats with wilderness travel, letting an expedition move across water and land in a single journey. On this course, students learn river skills, expedition behavior, and the judgment that comes from living and traveling in remote country. The scholarship exists to make that experience accessible to those for whom cost would otherwise be the deciding factor.
Who it is for
This is a need-based scholarship intended for members of underserved communities. To be considered, an applicant must be 23 years or older, which aligns with the age range for NOLS adult expeditions. If you are unsure whether you qualify, the financial aid team can talk through your situation before you apply.
- Members of underserved communities
- Applicants who are 23 years or older
- Those for whom need-based support would make the course possible
What the award covers
The recipient is fully outfitted and funded for the course itself. The scholarship provides:
- A full tuition scholarship for the 10-day NOLS Alaska packrafting course
- Relevant rental equipment for the expedition
- A pack from Hyperlite Mountain Gear
- A packraft from Alpacka Raft
Please note
Participants are responsible for covering their own travel costs to and from Alaska. All other course costs listed above are covered by the scholarship.
Deadline
Application status
The application is closed for 2026. Check back on the NOLS Financial Aid page for future cycles, or contact the financial aid team to be pointed to the next opportunity.
During an open cycle, applicants are notified throughout the process about their eligibility, with a final decision communicated in early May.
How to apply
When applications reopen, you will submit your application through NOLS and hear from the financial aid team as your eligibility is reviewed. If you have any questions about the scholarship, your eligibility, or the packrafting course itself, please reach out. The team is glad to help before you begin.
Have questions?
Contact the NOLS financial aid team through the Financial Aid page(opens in new tab) or the general contact page(opens in new tab), and they will connect you with the right person for the Packrafting Scholarship.
At a glance
The essentials
The key facts, before you reach out to the financial aid team.
Who it is for
A need-based award for members of underserved communities who are 23 years or older.
The course
A 10-day NOLS packrafting course based out of NOLS Alaska, with river skills and expedition travel.
What is included
Full tuition, rental gear, a Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack, and an Alpacka Raft packraft. Travel to Alaska is not included.
Bring wilderness rivers within reach
Explore all NOLS financial aid options, or reach out to the financial aid team with questions about the Packrafting Scholarship.
