Affinity Programs 2025

A HUGE thank you to our 2025 sponsors:

                             .                              

Application period is January 17 – February 7, 2025. Applications are listed under specific programs.

Program dates may be subject to change based on enrollment, instructor availability and permits.

Apply for your specific program scholarship below. Make sure that you are qualify for the program you are applying for. You can apply for multiple programs but each candidate will only be eligible for 1 scholarship if awarded. Please contact [email protected] with questions.

Application to come.

Affinity Programs Supported by Corporate Partners
  • LGBTQIA2S+ Single Pitch Instructor Course: Boulder, CO, May 28-31, 2025 (4-day program)
         sponsored by Mountain Hardwear 
  • BIPOC Single Pitch Instructor Course: Boulder, CO, September 10-12, 2025
         sponsored by Black Diamond 
  • Women’s Single Pitch Instructor Assessment: Joshua Tree, CA, October 20-21, 2025
         sponsored by Arc’teryx
  • Women’s Single Pitch Instructor Course: Joshua Tree, CA, October 22-24, 2025
         sponsored by Arc’teryx
Open Enrollment Affinity Programs
  • Women’s Ski Guide Course: Red Mountain Pass, CO, April 9 – 18, 2025
         scholarship/tuition assistance included
    this program is fully enrolled
  • BIPOC Rock Guide Course: Smith Rocks, OR, September 10 – 17, 2025
        scholarship/tuition assistance not included
  • Women’s Rock Guide Course: Boulder, CO, September 30-October 7, 2025
        scholarship/tuition assistance not included

AMGA is awaiting funding decisions from a few corporate partners. There may or may not be tuition assistance, but we will run these programs as affinity programs regardless of corporate sponsorship.

  • COVID-19 Policy: updated for 2023

    Effective January 1, 2023 AMGA will no longer require Mountain Guide Program students, participants, or employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

    • AMGA’s vaccination policy may continue to change over time as the disease changes and recommendations from public health professionals evolve. If a change impacts your program, we will update you directly.
    • AMGA will continue to adhere to any government requirements for vaccination.
    • Vaccination and booster upkeep remain strongly encouraged.

    This policy change is made on advice from the AMGA Medical Advisor and recognizes the evolving nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The AMGA’s COVID-19 Operating Plan has been updated. Field practices and program expectations described in the Operating Plan are still in place and we will continue to prioritize reducing COVID-19 transmission on AMGA programs.

    For more information see the complete policy here.

  • Affinity Climbing Instructor Programs: Refund and Cancellation Policy

    • To accept and hold your space on a program, a deposit of $100.00 is due within two weeks of acceptance. Failure to pay your deposit will result in being dropped from the program. Your full tuition is due within ten weeks of the program’s start date. Failure to pay your full tuition will result in being dropped from the program.
    • If you cancel your enrollment for any reason outside of ten weeks prior to the program’s start date, you’ll be refunded all but $100.00 of your tuition. If you cancel your enrollment within ten weeks of the program’s start date, the AMGA will retain 100% of your tuition. You will receive a full-tuition refund if the AMGA cancels the program prior to the program’s start date. The AMGA is not responsible for costs associated with these cases, outside of tuition.
    • If you need to discuss a payment plan for your program tuition, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to work with you to create an individual payment plan. The sooner we can create a payment plan, the better, as it helps to know in advance how to best meet everyone’s needs.
    • For more information see the complete policy here.
  • Sample Essay Questions

    Tell us about a mentor you've had in your life.

    Why are you interested in taking an Affinity Course?

    How will participating in an Affinity Course help you in your career, and/or your personal climbing?