Rapids Riders is pleased to offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships opportunities for Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color (BIPOC) who are seeking to grow their canoe or kayak whitewater skills. While previous canoeing or kayaking experience is not necessary, we are looking for people who are passionate for and comfortable in the outdoors. 

The CanoeU Equity & Diversity Scholarship is a tuition scholarship awarded annually and is valid toward CanoeU courses, fees and rental equipment.

In addition to the tuition scholarship, we will attempt to team with a handful of local sponsors to provide rental equipment as well as work with club members to lend equipment necessary for the student to participate in classes.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• Self-identified as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color including Latinx, Asian, biracial, or multiracial

• 18 years of age or older

• Meet or exceed the listed perquisites for the requested CanoeU course(s), including the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)

• Financial need to participate in classes

Timing and Availability

Applications accepted February 1st through 29th.  Recipients will be announced by the end of April, 2024.

The scholarship may be applied to any one of the CanoeU Courses available for 2024. 

Please refer to the CanoeU Courses page for course descriptions and full details.

Finalists may be asked to participate in an interview prior to the distribution of the scholarship award.