Black Diamond Equipment and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) announce partnership
The collaboration includes a scholarship to bring new people into the outdoors with funding for experiences, equipment, and education
Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in climbing, skiing, and mountain sports apparel and equipment, has partnered with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the world’s foremost provider of wilderness education. Central to the partnership is the Elevate Scholarship, an initiative to foster leadership, mentorship, and stewardship within the outdoor community.
The Elevate Scholarship provides full-ride support, including travel and gear, for select NOLS courses in the Summer and Fall of 2025. Funded through an annually recurring co-op program between NOLS and Black Diamond, the initiative aims to cultivate future leaders in the outdoor community who might not otherwise have access to the resources they need to recreate safely and sustainably. Additionally, 10% of any purchase made by NOLS, a NOLS employee, or an enrolled student will directly contribute to the scholarship fund.
“At Black Diamond, climbing has always been more than a sport—it’s a way to discover our limits, build resilience, and connect deeply with the natural world,” says Neil Fiske, President at Black Diamond Equipment. “Partnering with NOLS on the Elevate Scholarship lets us extend those values to a broader community, breaking down barriers and equipping the next generation of climbers and outdoor leaders with the skills, mentorship, and gear they need to thrive. Together, we’re not just supporting individuals—we’re fostering a culture of stewardship and sustainability for the vertical and beyond.”
Black Diamond has been one of NOLS’ preferred equipment providers for decades. The official partnership will now also include ongoing gear design collaboration between the two organizations and field testing on key pieces of equipment from Black Diamond, such as the Mega Light Tent, a staple piece of equipment in the NOLS kit. A dedicated gear testing pipeline will engage NOLS field instructors in the design process, leveraging their hands-on expertise in creating and enhancing Black Diamond gear moving forward. To further support NOLS staff, the partnership offers expanded pro deals for all employees.
Several professional Black Diamond athletes got their start with NOLS, including Aaron Mulkey, Adrian Ballinger, Carlo Traversi, and Angela Hawse. Peter Metcalf, the founder of Black Diamond and a 1971 NOLS graduate, credits the school with introducing him to climbing. This joint effort builds on the longstanding relationship between these two organizations. In keeping with that tradition, Black Diamond has committed to providing opportunities for its employees to develop their outdoor and leadership skills with NOLS.
“The NOLS and Black Diamond partnership is such a perfect match. It brings together two organizations who share a deep commitment to wilderness, leadership, and the environment,” said Sandy Colhoun, President of NOLS. “We are grateful for the Black Diamond Elevate Scholarship’s impact on our school, making outdoor education accessible to all. Together with Black Diamond, we are excited to empower the next generation of leaders, explorers, and adventurers.”
The application period for the Elevate Scholarship opens on February 5, 2025, and closes on March 5, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be announced on April 30.
For more information on the scholarship and application process, please visit: https://www.nols.edu/en/expeditions/planning/financial-aid/black-diamond-elevate-scholarship/
