The Darby Knoll Outdoor Leader Scholarship
Expanding Access to Outdoor Learning
Women and gender-queer people who seek non-male dominated spaces in the outdoor community can apply to this scholarship and be awarded up to $600 in order to enhance their participation, leadership, or representation in the outdoor industry and community.
Supported By:
The Darby Knoll Outdoor Leader Scholarship
The Darby Knoll Outdoor Leader Scholarship honors the legacy of Darby Knoll, the first Executive Director of Backcountry Squatters, whose fearless leadership, passionate devotion, and unwavering integrity helped forge Backcountry Squatters’s path in the nonprofit world.
Working alongside co‑founders Andie Creel and Kit Kocha, Darby dedicated countless hours to building the foundation of Backcountry Squatters as a mission‑driven organization rooted in access, stewardship, and community. From shaping early programs to strengthening partnerships and fostering organizational growth, Darby embodied what it means to lead with purpose.
This scholarship is awarded to emerging outdoor leaders who reflect Darby’s values: a commitment to service, courage in leadership, and an authentic dedication to making the outdoor community more inclusive and accessible. Recipients demonstrate not only a deep connection to the outdoors, but also a clear vision for using that connection to uplift others and create positive change.
Scholarship Purpose
The Darby Knoll Outdoor Leader Scholarship supports individuals pursuing opportunities that expand access to outdoor recreation, conservation, education, or community‑based leadership. Whether through formal education, certification, training, grassroots initiatives, or experiential learning this scholarship invests in leaders who are actively shaping the future of the outdoor space.
Women and gender-queer people who seek non-male dominated spaces in the outdoor community can apply to this scholarship and be awarded up to $600 in order to enhance their participation, leadership, or representation in the outdoor industry and community.
Ideal Candidates
Applicants should:
Demonstrate leadership within outdoor, conservation, or community‑based spaces.
Share a passion for equity, access, and representation in the outdoors.
Embody integrity, accountability, and service to others.
Show a clear plan for how this opportunity will further their impact as an outdoor leader.
Merit will be based on one of two factors:
1. An applicant’s demonstrated willingness to break down prohibitive barriers that underrepresented individuals face when joining the outdoor community and industry (underrepresented individuals includes women, communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, folks with disabilities, underrepresented financial classes, underrepresented geographies in the outdoor community or other communities not listed here).
2. An applicant’s aspiration for developing leadership skills needed as a professional in the outdoor industry. Either as a guide, athlete, or as a professional working to disassemble barriers that exist for peers trying to achieve the same goals. These applicants are directly increasing women and gender-queer people’s representation in the outdoor industry.
Extra consideration is given to applicants that are members of the Backcountry Squatters chapter at their university with the expectation that they are registered on the Mighty Network app. If you are at a university that does not have a chapter, you are still invited to apply! If you are not in school but between the ages of 17-25 (“college aged”) you are also invited to apply.
Use this application as an opportunity to speak about your merit and financial need.
Applications are due March 26 at 11:59 PM MST.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Darby Knoll helped build Backcountry Squatters into the organization it is today through vision, perseverance, and heart. This scholarship ensures that her legacy continues by empowering the next generation of outdoor leaders to lead boldly, act honestly, and leave the outdoor community stronger than they found it.
By investing in people who lead with intention and integrity, The Darby Knoll Outdoor Leader Scholarship carries forward the spirit of Backcountry Squatters and the enduring impact of Darby’s leadership.
Please reach out to scholarships@backcountrysquatters.org with any questions.
Scholarship for Outdoor Education Schedule
Fall
Application Opens: Last Week of September
Application Closes: Third Week of October
Announcements Made: First Week of November
Spring
Application Opens: Last Week of February
Application Closes: Third Week of March
Announcements Made: First Week of April