Jim Ratz (1952-2005) was a passionate mountaineer, father, and husband dedicated to outdoor education and the preservation of wilderness. As NOLS Executive Director (1984-1995), Jim was instrumental in the creation and vision of the inaugural Wilderness Risk Management Conference. The WRMC has since gone on to educate thousands and raise standards of practice across outdoor and wilderness education.
WRMC Legacy Partners (NOLS, Outward Bound, and SCA) sponsor an annual scholarship in Jim's name, and are always looking for other generous organizations and individuals to support this program. There are many inspiring organizations and passionate people in our industry who need financial support to attend a conference like the WRMC. Consider donating to the scholarship fund today.
Here's how:
It is clear to me that this community is one that supports each other, collaborates with one another, and is always pushing to grow and be better, together.
I am so grateful to be part of the WRMC community. The lessons I learned from this conference will help me grow my knowledge and skills, and will help me to make more informed decisions down the road.
Elizabeth Gerrits Wilderness Programs Manager, NatureBridge - Yosemite
Scholarships are awarded to current instructors or practitioners of adventure education or adventure program administrators or directors. Employees of WRMC Legacy Partners (NOLS, Outward Bound, and SCA) are not eligible for scholarships.
Applications are due by July 1, 2021.
ApplyThere won't be an exhibit hall at the online WRMC in 2021, so exhibitor scholarships are also on hold. Applications will be available here in early 2022.
WRMC exhibitor scholarships will be awarded to outdoor companies and organizations focused on racial justice and equity.
