Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is partnering with The Wesser Foundation Inc. to launch the Founders Scholarship, to create opportunities for people with limited resources to begin a career in whitewater. The scholarship is open for applicants for the 2023 season and will cover the cost of Guide School training, equipment, housing, and meal plans.
NOC, a leader in outdoor adventures for 50 years, has taught more guides than anyone in the industry. Elite river guide instructors offer hands-on experience teaching river reading, guide paddle strokes and communication, river safety and rescue, boat features and rigging, and more. Students learn self-confidence, leadership skills, teamwork and environmental knowledge.
Kristin Kastelic, NOC Marketing Director, said, “With this scholarship, we hope to open up the opportunity for more careers in whitewater and a connection to the outdoors, to even more people that might not have the resources to take the leap.”
The Wesser Foundation was established by Jess Austin, who met the same challenges early in his career. Austin had to forego becoming a river guide in his twenties as he pursued law school. Now retired, he made his dream come true and works at NOC as a river guide, taking families down the Nantahala River every year between spring and fall.
Chosen scholarship recipients will attend NOC’s Guide School, where participants spend five days in the field training with experienced instructors. Along with learning guide skills, recipients will be outfitted with the essential river gear and equipment, take first aid and CPR training and certifications, and receive complimentary staff housing and meals while employed at Nantahala Outdoor Center during the River Guide season.
Those interested in the Founders Scholarship are encouraged to apply at noc.com/about/founders-scholarship. The selection and interview process for the scholarships will begin in the winter of 2022-2023 and be announced in the spring.
For more information, visit https://noc.com/
