SCARPA ATHLETE MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE
THE MISSION
The SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative has been created to connect and engage the SCARPA Athlete team with accomplished athletes from historically marginalized communities aspiring to take their sport or career to the next level. The mission of this program is to connect mentors with mentees focused on the sports we serve to provide participants with opportunities for personal, athletic and career development with the goal of helping to create a more inclusive and diverse community of athletes.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative is searching for a group of athletes from historically marginalized communities including, but not limited to:
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color)
LGBTQIA+
ADAPTIVE/Disabled
This program embraces climbers, skiers, mountaineers and runners who seek to advance their skills and sport to a new level of excellence.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative is designed to support emerging mountain athletes from historically marginalized communities as they grow into the next generation of professional athletes, guides, and industry leaders.
This is not a sponsorship program; it’s a career incubator. Through mentorship, education, financial support, and industry exposure, we build a more inclusive and sustainable athlete pipeline for the outdoor industry.
THE ORIGIN
The path to creating more diversity, equity and inclusion in the climbing and outdoor sports community is a journey, not a destination. As we consider this journey, listen to people of underserved communities, and think about what we have learned, we feel it is our responsibility to create more access, support, and opportunity for Climbing and Outdoor Athletes from BIPOC, LBGTQ and Disabled communities. We think improving diversity and inclusion needs to happen on all levels, from new outdoor enthusiasts to active outdoor athletes and that there needs to be an accessible progression of steppingstones that will help people follow their dreams and reach their full athletic or professional potential in climbing and outdoor sports. We want to do our part to elevate and empower aspiring athletes and influencers from all different backgrounds to the highest level, so they can inspire others like themselves to dream about one day achieving the same. We acknowledge that our North America athlete team and therefore our mentors are not representative of every group, but we feel that this is the first step in changing that. We hope you will consider joining us on this journey.
This is why SCARPA North America created the “SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative”. Based on the belief that we cannot rest until we see people from historically marginalized communities at all levels of our sports and industry, including as sponsored athletes, professional guides, company leaders and in our boardrooms. The Athlete Mentorship Initiative is the result of the efforts and collaborations of so many amazing people inside and outside of our company, sports, and industry. The origin of this idea and vision for this initiative was based on the personal and professional experiences of our CEO, Kim Miller. Kim is an expert climber, skier, and outdoor athlete, a forty-year veteran of the Outdoor Industry, a person of color and an immigrant.
Thanks to all brands supporting the 2026/2027 SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative cohort.
GEAR PARTNERS
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of training will the mentors undergo?
The program is designed to promote safe and positive one on one interactions between the mentors and mentees. We have an Inclusivity Advisor to help facilitate all aspects of the program. Mentors will complete various trainings across communication and advocacy topics throughout the program.
What athletic performance level are you looking for in a mentee?
Mentee applicants should have a strong foundation in their sport and are on the path to become a professional athlete, guide or coach.
Do I have to live in a certain location to be accepted to the program?
Yes, mentees must be located in the United States or Canada. Most of the interactions will be via phone, text, Zoom and other forms digital communication. We will support in-person meetups during the program.
Are there any costs associated with the program?
There will be no direct cost to the program, however applicants will need access to a communication device such as a phone or computer for conversations with their mentor and for virtual group meetings and training sessions.
Are there any prerequisites for the program?
Mentees must be a mountain athlete from a historically marginalized community, reside in the United States or Canada, are 18 years or older, and have the ability to travel.
What is the time commitment?
Each mentor/mentee pair will determine the frequency of their check ins (however we encourage them to occur at least every other week). Each month there will be an additional virtual training opportunity (examples: educational panels, open discussion times, industry round tables). Participation is encouraged but not mandatory for all sessions.
How will the mentees and mentors be chosen and paired?
Top applicants will have a virtual interview with the interview committee. After interviews, the committee will make mentee/mentor pairings primarily based on sport category, discipline and individual goals. The committee will also take into consideration geographical location and personality compatibility.
What resources are provided for the participants?
All mentees and mentors will receive a program handbook with resources such as expectations, program schedule and all necessary contacts. Additional funding will be allocated to help reach individual goals.
What if I am having an issue with my mentor?
The Inclusivity Advisor will be an available resource to facilitate these situations as they arise. We also have individuals, both inside and outside of the organization, that will serve as resources and confidants selected to help resolve any conflict and based on the issue at hand.
What does gear support look like in this program?
SCARPA will provide footwear to help each mentee achieve their goals. The program is also supported by Gear Partners noted on this webpage.
If I have additional questions about the program who can I contact?
Please send all additional questions to sami@scarpa.com
