Climbers of Color

Impact of Our Work

Vern Lal Global Foundation proudly supports Climbers of Color, an organization dedicated to increasing access to climbing for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Through our scholarship funding, we help remove financial barriers that often prevent participation in climbing and outdoor activities, fostering greater equity in outdoor spaces.

The scholarship fund is a vital resource, providing need-based scholarships for courses and climbing activities that may otherwise be out of reach. Beyond individual empowerment, this fund also supports Mountain Workshops, experiential programs designed to introduce youth groups to the outdoors, build confidence, and create meaningful connections with nature.

Recipients of these scholarships often describe transformative experiences, gaining skills, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging in outdoor communities where they have historically been underrepresented. Many go on to become mentors and leaders themselves, helping to inspire the next generation of climbers and broaden the collective outdoor culture.

Climbers of Color is more than an outdoor organization; it is a movement to cultivate diverse leadership within climbing and mountaineering communities by providing mentorship, technical training, and access to essential gear, helping change the face of the outdoors to be more inclusive and welcoming.

Our partnership with Climbers of Color furthers this important mission by expanding opportunities and nurturing a vibrant, diverse community of climbers and outdoor leaders. Together, we are helping to break down barriers and create lasting change in how people experience the mountains and beyond.