Jim Ratz Climb the Grand Scholarship

Calling all youth of Fremont County! Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a four-day guided experience up the Grand Teton, the most iconic peak in Wyoming. No previous climbing experience or special gear are required. Four recipients will be selected in 2024. Eligible applicants are those finishing 8th – 12th grade in May 2024.

Why is there a scholarship to climb Grand Teton?

The purpose of the Jim Ratz Memorial Scholarship is to provide young people with the opportunity to experience the power of personal achievement and the experience of problem-solving through climbing.

Climbing is a powerful activity that prepares us for life. It allows us to learn and practice new skills, confront fears and anxiety, connect to the land, and ourselves. Climbing teaches everyone different things. Often the most difficult part of climbing is getting the equipment to get started and finding a mentor or guide. This scholarship is meant to allow a greater number of youth to experience climbing by removing those barriers to entry. Here is an interesting article by an 8th grader after experiencing indoor climbing for the first time   "lessons I learned while rock climbing."

Jim Ratz was a community member, an avid climber and a visionary. He was a former Executive Director of  NOLS, co-owner of Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, and director of the AMGA. He dedicated his life to outdoor education and the preservation of Wilderness. 

To read more about Jim Ratz and his connection to Lander, please check out these articles from NOLS and Everest News.

How to Apply:

You may submit an application by filling out the online application below, submitting a video application to education@wyomingclimbers.org, or using the paper application . All applications must be submitted by 5 PM on Friday, April 22th, 2024.  If submitting a paper application, please mail to:

Central Wyoming Climbers’ Alliance

Attn: Climb the Grand

Po Box 1304

Lander, WY 82520

Upon completing this application, you will receive a confirmation email/phone call. If receiving an interview, you will be notified. The WyoClimbers Education Committee will choose four recipients from those interviewed.

The 2024 climb will be with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides on August 1st- 5th. The dates are not negotiable, so make sure you would be available if you are applying for this opportunity! Climb details, gear list, training plan, and official itinerary will be provided to the scholarship recipients upon notification and acceptance.

Planned Itinerary:

Thursday, August 1st- Meet at 11am at NOLS Rocky Mountain for gear check and leave for Jackson Hole Mountain Guides Friday, August 2nd - Meet guides at Lupine Meadows Trailhead in AM and hike to Corbet High Camp
Saturday, August 3rd - Training Day, Climb/Rappel Instruction
Sunday, August 4th - Summit Day
Monday, August 5th- Optional Summit Day if weather didn't allow on the previous day, then hike back the to trailhead.

Scholarship recipients will be climbing with up to 3 other youth and 2 mountain guides in variable weather conditions and over difficult alpine terrain at high altitude. If you are filling out this application, you should be prepared (or willing to get prepared!) for this mental and physical challenge. Additionally, be prepared to work with a team to accomplish goals and to be willing to ask for help when needed.

Questions? Email: education@wyomingclimbers.org

Past Scholarship Winners:

2022: Alexa Coleman (Lander), Benjamin Browning (Lander), Timothy Bales (Lander), Lily Hitchock (Lander)

2021: Aidan Jones (Riverton), Shayla Babits (Lander), Garrick McDonald (Riverton), Jessica Baron (Lander)

2019: Ethan Howard (Dubois), Magdalena Escudero-Kane (Lander), Kellyn Chandler (Dubois)

2018: Jordan Memering (Pavillion), Tori Newton (Lander), Nicolas Kulow (Lander), Ariana Hunter (Ft. Washakie/Lander)

2017: Justin Don Martin (Riverton), Darien Ferris (Ft. Washakie)

2016: Dorian Baldes (Ft. Wasakie), Kaylen Frable (Atlantic City), Maria Kulow (Lander), Emilee Robins (Lander)

2015: Rachael Troxl (Lander) and Ryan Crawford (Lander) 

2014: Nesto Lowham (Lander) and Kamille Brough (Lander)

2012: Sammy Crawford and Mitchell Atnip

2011: Beryl Coulter and Henry Austin

2010: Anna Boyle (Lander) and Chancy Headley (Ft. Washakie)

2009: Joe McGowan (Lander) and Willy Ratz (Lander)

2008: Carlyn Cook (Lander) and Jessica Roberts (Riverton)

2007: Lisa Zirbel (Lander) and Larkin Guenther (Lander)

2006: Teresa Miller (Lander) and Clayton Tanner (Lander)

2005: Heather Birch (Lander) and Eliah Petersen (Lander)

2004: Heather Hendricks (Lander) and Marie Cartwright (Lander)

2003: Tom Pryor (Hudson) and Karissa McGiven (Riverton)

2002: Cale Hinkle (Lander) and Marissa Matthews (Riverton)