What is the Women’s Grand Scholarship?
The Women’s Grand Scholarship gives women in the Jackson Hole area the chance to climb the Grand Teton with the support of an all-women team and professional guides. It was created in 2023 to honor Eleanor Davis, who became the first known woman to summit the Grand in 1923.
The program is designed to support local women who want to build skills, gain confidence, and spend meaningful time in the mountains.
Each year, the scholarship covers the full cost of a guided climb. The experience begins with two days of climbing school, where participants learn basic techniques, safety skills, and rope systems. From there, the group heads into the Tetons for a two-day summit attempt. Along the way, climbers learn how to move on rock, work as a team, and trust themselves in a new environment.
The Women’s Grand Scholarship helps create access to an experience that can otherwise feel out of reach. It brings women together, builds lasting connections, and opens the door to future adventures.
This scholarship is made possible thanks to the generosity of Four Pines Physical Therapy, Women in the Tetons, and Dawn Rucker.
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 this application, applicants are agreeing 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.
