Adventure Without Barriers
Providing full and partial scholarships to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Adventurers Dismantling financial barriers to bikepacking and packrafting!
WHY THE ARMIDA HUERTA ADVENTURE FUND?
For too long, the ‘great outdoors’ has been defined by a narrow culture of exclusivity. High gear costs, expensive certifications, and a historic lack of representation have turned technical sports like bikepacking and packrafting into spaces that feel off-limits to many. We recognize that these barriers are not accidental, but are the result of long-standing systemic and financial inequities that have kept diverse voices on the margins. We created this fund in honor of our dear friend, partner, sister, Armida Huerta, who passed on March 20th, 2024.
To address the historical gatekeeping of technical outdoor spaces, we provide a comprehensive support system that moves beyond simple financial aid. Our approach is designed to meet each adventurer where they are, ensuring that economic standing is never the deciding factor in who gets to explore.
Recognizing that every journey is different, we offer a range of full and partial scholarships. By providing flexible funding options; from covering a portion of the tuition to fully subsidizing the entire experience.
Armida: Friend, Partner, Sister
Armida led a life of adventure and was a gifted athlete. She raced road bikes in the bay area where she grew up. She was an avid packrafter, runner and yoga practitioner. She worked for Alpacka Raft just shy of 10 years, where she was a highly valued employee – knowing how to make every step of a packraft.
Her love of the outdoors, and especially packrafting, was infectious and where she truly felt at home. She enjoyed dozens of packrafting adventures with her partner throughout the desert southwest. As a woman of Mexican-American descent, Armida had a deep desire to engage with other people of color in the outdoors, especially those who didn’t have the means, skill-development or other opportunities to have a safe and meaningful outdoor adventure.
Scholarships & Course Program Offerings
Our 2026 application cycle opens in March and will remain on a rolling basis.
These scholarships are dedicated to BIPOC Women and LGBTQ+ adventurers. We prioritize our funding for those who are navigating financial hardships. Our goal is to bridge the cost gap for those who might otherwise be unable to access high-level outdoor education.
We offer both full and partial scholarships for bikepacking and packrafting courses to ensure that every adventurer can find a pathway that meets their current financial reality:
| Scholarship Tier | Coverage | Best Suited For… |
| Full Scholarship | 100% of Course Cost | Individuals facing significant financial barriers for whom the cost of entry is currently out of reach. |
| Partial Scholarship | Variable Tuition Support | Individuals who can contribute to a portion of the costs but require assistance to make the course accessible. |
What The Fund Offers: Financial Assistance, Gear & Educational Opportunities
The Armida Huerta Adventure Fund is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Women who face financial barriers to accessing technical outdoor training and equipment.
Scholarship Opportunities
- Full and Partial Scholarships: We offer scholarships that cover all or a portion of the cost for packrafting, bikepacking, or bikerafting courses and tours.
- Comprehensive Travel & Gear Stipends: Cash scholarships are available to assist with potential costs that may include gear, travel, food, and lodging.
- National Opportunities: We provide financial support for participants to attend bikerafting or packrafting courses hosted by organizations across the country.
Check out courses based in Southwest Colorado at Four Corners Guides. - In-Kind Equipment Support: Participants may access loaner gear or receive in-kind donations to ensure they have the necessary equipment to safely and successfully actualize their adventures. Please communicate with AHAF what it is that you may need.
Who Is This For?
Individuals 14+ who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or women of color, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals who reside in the United States or Puerto Rico. Applicants must be comfortable in the outdoors, have camped or backpacked before, have a sufficient level of fitness to participate in the activities the scholarship supports.
(For example can run/hike/bike 5+ miles with ease, regularly exercise.)
Why & Where Can You Take Courses?
We established this fund to dismantle barriers to entry, empowering every individual to define and pursue adventure on their own terms. You may apply for a cycling, bikepacking or packrafting course anywhere in the United States or US territories.
What We Need From Applicants
If awarded a scholarship, we ask applicants to supply a brief report and a few photos or videos from your adventures that we may use to inspire potential applicants and support future fundraising efforts.