The Teton Climbers’ Coalition (TCC), with generous support from Dawn Rucker, Four Pines Physical Therapy and Women in the Tetons, is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Women’s Grand Scholarship.
The needs-based scholarship gives women in the Jackson Hole area the opportunity to climb the iconic Grand Teton. Applications may be made here. Details, eligibility requirements, and the application form are available on the form.
The scholarship provides one woman the opportunity to take part in an all-women’s guided ascent of the Grand Teton with Exum Mountain Guides in August 2026, including preparatory climbing instruction and a multi-day climb culminating in a night at Exum’s high camp on the Lower Saddle.
The Women’s Grand Scholarship was created to support greater equity and representation in climbing. In its inaugural year, the scholarship helped a local climber stand atop the Grand for the first time as part of an all-women’s guided ascent—an experience marked by challenge, confidence-building, and deep community support.
“Climbing the Grand can feel out of reach for many women, whether due to cost, access, or confidence,” said the Teton Climbers’ Coalition. “This scholarship is about removing barriers and opening the door to an experience that can be genuinely life-changing.”
The 2026 scholarship continues that mission, offering another woman the chance to train, climb, and summit alongside experienced guides and peers in a supportive environment.
The deadline for applications is March 29, 2026. The recipient will be selected by May 4, 2026.
Scholarship Overview
Created to celebrate over 100 years of women climbing the Grand Teton, the Women’s Grand Scholarship supports local women who want to experience this climb, build new skills, and join a strong community of climbers.
The 2026 scholarship covers the cost of an all-women guided climb for one scholarship recipient. The adventure begins with two days of Exum’s climbing school, where the scholarship recipient learns essential climbing techniques and safety practices. Then, with the help of skilled guides, the climber takes on a two-day trip to the Grand Teton’s summit.
More than just a climb, the Women’s Grand Scholarship is about bringing more women into the sport, celebrating their achievements, and building a supportive community of women in the mountains. By offering this scholarship, Teton Climbers’ Coalition aims to make climbing more inclusive and bring the community together in support of women in climbing.
Program Itinerary
This Classic Grand Teton Climb is a four-day program from August 19 to 22. In two days of group instruction, you’ll learn all the skills necessary to fully participate during your two-day guided Grand Teton climb. This climb is more than a guide leading you to the top. Rather, you’ll be an integral part of the climbing team, resulting in a deep sense of accomplishment and an unforgettable bond with your fellow climbers and guides.
Day 1
You will meet your guides at the Exum office and climb in Grand Teton National Park. On low-angle multipitch climbs, you will learn introductory skills like bouldering, multipitch climbing, belaying, and rappelling.
Day 2
You’ll use the skills you learned on the first day to climb steeper and more difficult terrain. The day will also include an overhanging rappel.
Day 3
You’ll meet your guides at the Exum office. The guides will do a gear check and your group will begin the hike from Lupine Meadows to the Lower Saddle. The hike is strenuous, gaining 5,000 feet of elevation in 7 miles, and typically takes 5 to 7 hours.The day will include rest stops along the way and lunch in a beautiful alpine meadow. In the late afternoon you will reach Exum’s hut at the Lower Saddle which serves as your basecamp. After dinner, the guides will share information about the next day’s summit attempt, and then it’s early to bed so you get plenty of rest.
Day 4
The alarm goes off at 3:00 in the morning. After a quick breakfast, you’ll begin your summit attempt. The day includes hiking, scrambling, and technical climbing to the summit. Most climbing groups top out around 8:00 and spend some time enjoying the summit view. Groups are typically back at the hut for lunch and a short rest before heading down to the trailhead. This is typically a 12- to 15-hour day.
This is a typical itinerary and may vary depending on group abilities and conditions on the mountain.
Scholarship Details
If you identify yourself as a woman, no matter the complexity, we welcome you.
Applicants must be 18 or older.
Applicants must be current residents of Teton County, Idaho, or Teton County, Wyoming.
This four-day adventure is scheduled for August 19 to 22, 2026. Dates may change depending on guide availability. Applicants must be available for the entire trip.
Recipients must accept the scholarship and its terms in writing. These terms include submitting one trip report with accompanying pictures for use in TCC’s newsletter and social media, and participating in one TCC event to share your experience with the climbing community.
By submitting the application, applicants agree to receive TCC marketing materials. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This is a physically demanding scholarship and preparation for the climb is necessary.
No climbing experience is necessary to apply, just preparation and a willingness to learn.
Email Alice at pang.alice@gmail.com with any questions.