A New Chapter for The Summit Scholarship Foundation: The Birth of the GEA Alliance
Today marks an exciting milestone for the Summit Scholarship Foundation. As Executive Director of the Foundation, I am proud to announce our merger with The Cairn Project, creating the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure (GEA Alliance). This merger represents the next step in our journey to advance gender equity by providing transformative outdoor opportunities for women, girls, and gender-diverse adventurers.
At the Summit Scholarship Foundation, we’ve always believed in the power of adventure to change lives. The Summit Scholarship was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create pathways for women to access life-changing experiences in the big mountains and in the outdoors in general. Over the years, we’ve partnered with world-class expedition leaders and grassroots organizations, providing scholarships to women and gender-diverse adventurers eager to push their boundaries and embrace the challenges and growth that comes from spending time in the wild.
From the very early days of the Summit Scholarship, The Cairn Project has been one of our steadfast supporters. The Cairn Project’s generous contributions, stretching back to the years before COVID, have played a significant role in helping us fulfill our mission. Together, we have created numerous women’s backcountry and mountaineering scholarships, launched a youth mountaineering scholarship program, and invited countless individuals to challenge the traditional narrative and redefine what is possible through adventure. As a major donor to the Summit Scholarship Foundation, The Cairn Project’s commitment to getting more girls and women outside naturally aligned with our own, making this merger not only seamless but deeply meaningful.
With the formation of the GEA Alliance, we are amplifying that shared mission. This merger is a testament to our collective belief that outdoor adventure can be a force for equity, empowerment, and growth. By combining the expertise, resources, and networks of both the Summit Scholarship Foundation and The Cairn Project, the GEA Alliance will expand our reach and impact. We are committed to growing our scholarship programs, increasing access to outdoor opportunities, and creating a robust platform for storytelling—showcasing the voices and experiences of women, girls, and gender-diverse adventurers.
What excites me most about this new chapter is the opportunity to build on the strong foundations laid by both organizations. The Summit Scholarship Foundation has always been about more than just providing financial support; it’s about creating a community where adventurers of all backgrounds can thrive. By merging with The Cairn Project, we’re not only committed to broadening our scholarship offering and backcountry programs over time; we are also integrating and expanding the Cairn Project’s core initiatives such as the Trailblazer program, which has empowered women to turn their outdoor pursuits into powerful vehicles for social good.
Sunny Stroeer, Executive Director of the GEA Alliance
At the heart of this new alliance is the belief that adventure is for everyone. We remain committed to dismantling barriers, increasing access, and providing pathways for individuals to tap into the transformative power of time spent in nature. As I step into my new role of Executive Director for the GEA Alliance, I’m thrilled to continue the work of The Cairn Project and the Summit Scholarship Foundation alongside our talented and passionate team. Together, we push forward to make outdoor adventure spaces more inclusive for all.
As we embark on this new adventure together, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us along the way. The Cairn Project has been a dedicated partner for years, and now, as we join forces, I’m excited to see the ways in which we will continue to grow and create lasting change. To our donors, partners, and community—thank you for your unwavering support. The best is yet to come, and we look forward to blazing new trails together with the GEA Alliance.
Here’s to the next chapter and the adventures ahead!