Geography of Hope awards grants to bright talented young people to attend wilderness education programs in the summer. Participants fill out an application, get references from teachers and other adults who know them well, and then Geography of Hope interviews each applicant. Then we work with our partner wilderness education programs to find an expedition that fits each participant. Geography of Hope will cover all costs to attend the program selected - the cost of the program, travel costs, and all the clothing and equipment you need. Geography of Hope provides grants based on financial need. Unfortunately, our grant funds are limited so we can't help everyone who applies.

Who can apply to Geography of Hope?

Geography of Hope provides grants to bright talented young people who are leaders, interested in the outdoors and the wilderness, and ready for an exciting challenge. Participants must be 13 years old to18 years old, a resident of the city or the suburbs, a student in good standing and in moderately good physical shape.

Instructions for applying to Geography of Hope:

To apply to Geography of Hope, each applicant must submit a complete application by the submission date (see What's New? for the submission date for this year). Applicants will then be interviewed by Geography of Hope. Geography of Hope will also contact the recommenders of each applicant by phone. Applicants may be asked to complete additional information for our wilderness education partners.

There are three forms in the application to Geography of Hope. Each applicant is responsible for making sure that all forms reach Geography of Hope by the submission date.
Please note that each form will open a new browser window.

1. Application: This form is filled out by the applicant. It can be submitted electronically from this website or printed out and mailed.
2. Recommendation: Each applicant must have two recommendations from adults who know them well. One recommendation must be from a teacher or school counselor. The recommendation forms can be printed out and mailed in, or recommenders can use the on-line form to submit electronically. All recommendation forms are confidential between Geography of Hope and the recommender unless the recommender notifies Geography of Hope otherwise.
3. Parental Consent/Information: The parent or legal guardian of each applicant must complete this form. This form must be printed and mailed to Geography of Hope.

1. Application
2. Recommendation
3. Parental Consent/Information