FROM AMERICAN RIVERS

American Rivers offers one $1,500 scholarship to one deserving Indigenous student to put toward a Freeflow course in the Northern Rockies region in 2021. The winning applicant may choose to use the scholarship on any 2021 Freeflow course that takes place in the Northern Rockies (Montana or Idaho). 

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS + APPLICATION PROCESS

Indigenous writers, leaders, students, and artists of ALL BACKGROUNDS and ALL SKILL LEVELS are invited to apply.

We can accept applications in written, audio, or video formats.

If you have trouble understanding or accessing the applications, please contact us at info@freeflowinstitute.com and we will help you.


The winning applicant will demonstrate capacity to research and craft an excellent story. The story should be developed into a media project to meet the following goals: enhance and expand public awareness of American Rivers’ mission; ignite dialogue; and encourage citizens to experience rivers.

A successful applicant will be committed to developing skills in one or more mediums, will be familiar with the visions of American Rivers and Freeflow Institute, and will submit a compelling pitch for an original creative deliverable, to be adopted and employed by American Rivers (at the organization’s discretion) upon completion.

There is no limit to the number of candidates that can apply from one institution, organization, or community.

Application deadline is April 1, 2021. 

Please share completed application with all required items – via email or a document delivery platform – with info@freeflowinstitute.com, or mail to Freeflow Institute / P.O. Box 602 / Milltown, Montana / 59851.

Your completed application packet should include:


  • Contact information for TWO professional, outdoor industry, creative, or academic references
  • Examples of outdoor creative / communication work, if available (If possible, please describe your professional or creative goals, and submit, as evidence of your intentions and capacity, links to or copies of written, photographic, filmed, or multimedia projects.)
  • A statement of financial need
  • OPTIONAL letters of recommendation from professional, outdoor industry, creative, or academic reference
  • A one- to two-page written statement that addresses the points listed below:
    • Describe your interest in Freeflow Institute, American Rivers, and this scholarship program: Why is the AR Indigenous Student Scholarship a good fit for YOU?
    • Describe the work you do (or hope to do) and how you’ll meet the objectives listed in the scholarship description. Please explain how your project idea will support the goals of American Rivers, and how it helps to promote the ethics and priorities of Freeflow Institute.
We can’t wait to read about your ideas. Get in touch with any questions. We look forward to sharing the river with you this summer!