Scholarships for Outdoor Courses

Chris Greyell Memorial Scholarship

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.”
THUCYDIDES

The Chris Greyell Memorial Scholarship was established by Tyson geBauer, Chris’s friend and climbing partner, to honor his memory by supporting climbers in the development of their craft through training with Cascade Mountain Ascents.

Chris was a welcoming presence in the climbing community and mentor to many, and we are honored to offer this scholarship in his name and with his spirit. The goal of this scholarship is to help climbers access training that will contribute to their safety and success. Climbers of all levels are encouraged to apply!

Contributions to the scholarship fund are gratefully accepted. Please contact us to learn more!

Photo by: Tyson geBauer

Chris Greyell lost his life in a climbing accident in Darrington, Washington in 2013. Chris is responsible for many of the classic granite lines in Darrington as well as numerous routes throughout the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. His enthusiasm for exploring and establishing new routes was unmatched by anyone else I have ever met. He could be seen eyeing lines on faces while hand drilling bolts on the line he was currently working. Chris had curiosity and the sense of play of a young child, as well as the calm and strength of a reliable partner and trusted companion.

Chris’s long time partners and friends describe him as a “true dynamo of positive energy, always encouraging and rock solid in his devotion to family and friends.”

That quote really says a lot about what my time with Chris lent to my life and why I feel he was important to the climbing community and to the greater community as well. We could all use an example of how to be excited for life’s adventures, and how to spread that enthusiasm through encouragement, mentorship and dedication to our friends, family, and neighbors.

Chris looked past differences in the climbing community and brought focus to the commonality of what brings all of us out there in the first place. So, go adventure in all aspects of your life and while doing so remember Chris. Encourage someone, share your excitement in a positive way that will inspire others and dedicate yourself to being curious, inclusive and generous and weave the positive memory of your actions into the lives of others.

-Tyson geBauer, 2024

2024 Scholarship Details:

• Total Funds Available: $1000 ($500 from initial donation and a $500 match from CMA)
• Scholarship Awards: Multiple scholarships ranging from $250 to $500
• Usage: Scholarship funds may be applied towards any rock or alpine climbing program with Cascade Mountain Ascents, including AMGA SPI courses and assessments, and must be used in the 2024 summer season

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must demonstrate a passion for climbing and a commitment to improving their skills.
• Applicants must provide a brief essay outlining their climbing goals and how the scholarship will help them achieve these goals.
• Preference will be given to climbers who actively contribute to the climbing community, whether through mentorship, volunteering, or other means.
• Priority will be given to climbers with identities historically excluded from the climbing community, including but not limited to adaptive climbs, BIPOC climbers, and women.
• We request, but do not require, that recipients submit a photo and a statement about the impact of the scholarship following completion of their course.

Application Process:

• Complete this application form
• The first round of applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis beginning July 20, 2024.