Every child deserves the chance to reach their summit.
In the mountain communities of Nepal, education can open doors to a lifetime of opportunity. Together, we help Sherpa students pursue their education, discover their potential, and build brighter futures for their communities.
Opportunity beyond the classroom.
A foundation built on connection, compassion, and possibility.
In 1999, mountaineering outfitter Alpine Ascents International established the Alpine Ascents Foundation as a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in indigenous mountain communities through education and access to essential resources.
Our work grew from longstanding relationships with the Sherpa people of Nepal and from families who approached us seeking educational opportunities for their children.
We believe education does more than change an individual life. It can strengthen families, expand opportunities, and equip the next generation to contribute to their communities.
Through student sponsorships, school initiatives, and fundraising events, we bring people together around one shared purpose: making education more accessible.
Learn About Our Foundation
Opening doors to a brighter future.
From helping individual students continue their education to supporting schools and bringing climbers together for a cause, our work creates meaningful opportunities for children and communities in Nepal.
Sherpa Education Fund
Help children in Nepal access education by contributing toward tuition, room, and board. Educational support helps students continue their schooling and pursue their potential.
Student sponsorship offers a tangible way to support a child's education for an academic year.
Support Student Education
Shree Himalaya School
Educational facilities and school initiatives can help create opportunities for children in remote Himalayan communities and support a stronger foundation for learning.
Discover the school project and the foundation's work supporting education in Nepal.
Explore the School Project
Mt. Baker Charity Climb
Bring adventure and generosity together. The annual fundraising climb gives participants the opportunity to experience the mountains while helping fund education for children in Nepal.
Not a climber? You can still support the cause by making a donation through the foundation.
Discover the Charity ClimbAn education can change more than one life.
In remote regions of Nepal, financial barriers and geographic isolation can make education difficult to access. Supporting a student's education is an investment in their future and in the possibilities they may bring back to their families and communities.
Discover Student StoriesAccess to Education
Help students continue their schooling when financial circumstances might otherwise stand in the way.
Support for Students
Contribute toward educational expenses, including tuition, accommodation, and board.
Future Possibilities
Give young people the chance to develop knowledge, skills, and opportunities for their futures.
Stronger Communities
Help the next generation build skills and share knowledge within their communities.
One student. One year. A world of possibility.
Imagine helping a student continue their education for an entire academic year. The foundation's student sponsorship program offers a direct way to help cover tuition, board, and lodging.
Alpine Ascents International covers the foundation's administrative expenses, so 100% of donations go directly to students.
Learn About Student SponsorshipHelp make a full year of education possible for a student in Nepal. Visit the foundation's donation page for sponsorship details and ways to contribute.
Sponsor a StudentTake on a mountain. Help a student reach their future.
The Mt. Baker Charity Climb brings the spirit of mountaineering together with the power of education. Explore the annual fundraising climb, find out how to participate, and discover how your support helps students in Nepal.
The future is full of possibility. Help make it accessible.
Whether you sponsor a student, support a school initiative, join the Mt. Baker Charity Climb, or share our mission with others, you can help create more educational opportunities for children in Nepal.