Polar explorer, Eric Larsen, believes diversity and equity are important. He hopes to break down barriers to polar travel by offering six BIPOC scholarships to his annual Polar Academy, equipping participants with the knowledge, safety gear, and necessary toolkits to survive modern polar travel. Eric, a record breaking polar adventurer (think North Pole, South Pole and summiting Everest in ONE YEAR), has selected a committee of advocates for inclusivity within the outdoor industry, polar travelers and recreationalists to help make the selection of scholarship winners and collaborate on the training.

Emily Ford - an influencer and athlete advocating for a more inclusive outdoor space

Erick Cedeno - a professional explorer well-known for traveling the globe by bike

Danica Carey - Recreation planner, social artist, and researcher with focus on public health and equity.

Rohan Freeman - the first African American to climb the Seven Summits

Everyone should have the chance to follow their cold, icy and big winter dreams- spread the word! The deadline is coming up FAST-December 1st and selections will be made by December 8th.

Eric’s Insta: @elexplore

Scholarship Application: https://www.ericlarsenexplore.com/scholarship/

For scholarship recipients, all the necessary gear, equipment, travel costs, and course fees will be provided, thanks to a generous donation from Jack Wolfskin.

Fun fact from Eric: 98% of polar explorers come from Minnesota.

Tasha Van Zandt is the creator of After Antarctica, a groundbreaking film that follows polar explorer Will Steger's life journey as an eyewitness to the greatest changes to the polar regions of our planet. Tasha talks about her own journey to becoming a female filmmaker, documenting some of the harshest climates on Earth and growing as a person and professional with every step. She inspires us to collectively look both inward and outward, as stewards of this beautiful planet we call home.