FMC Expedition Scholarships

FMC have been awarding youth scholarships for outdoor expeditions since 2010. Originally funded by the Maerewhenua Trust the Scholarships are now funded in full by the FMC Mountain and Forest Trust. Supported expeditions have traversed the wildest places in New Zealand including the Adams and Olivine Wilderness Areas. The Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2016, to outdoors people of all ages.

FMC Youth Scholarships

There is one round of Expedition Scholarships annually (applications closing 15 September). The maximum scholarship available is $1,500.  The scheme is open to members of affiliated or associated clubs of FMC, and also to individual supporters of FMC. The Scholarship includes provision for younger trampers to be accompanied by older trampers in a mentoring role.

Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship

The Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship  is also offered annually (applications closing 15 September). The maximum scholarship available is $1,000. The scheme is open to members of affiliated or associated clubs of FMC, and also to individual supporters of FMC. The scholarship uses the same criteria as the FMC Youth Scholarship but is open to adventurers of any age, recognising that there is adventure within us all.

The following message from Simon’s parents explains the Scholarship:

“Simon’s joy was exploring the wild places of our beautiful country. He had a passion for climbing, a commitment to safe practice and developing skills, and an enthusiasm for sharing experience. He died on a solo climb of Pikirakatahi/Earnslaw on 15 January 2015. This memorial scholarship is intended to help recipients of any skill level to continue their exploration of Aotearoa’s wild places and to enhance their confidence, leadership and safe practice in tramping or mountaineering.“

How to apply

Read the full Expedition Scholarship Criteria online then fill out an Expedition Scholarship application form and email it along with the supporting information to eo@fmc.org.nz by 15 September.

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