James "JB" Brown Memorial Scholarship

In Memory of James “JB” Brown

The Sierra Avalanche Center scholarship program is named after James "JB" Brown who passed away in the spring of 2022. JB was the president of the Sierra Avalanche Center Board, a longtime Board member and instrumental in starting our scholarship program. JB will be remembered not only for his incomparable backcountry skill, and grand ideas, but for his sarcastic wit, warmth and companionship. JB’s caring spirit and generous heart were felt by everyone he met.

Scholarship will Reopen October 2026

As part of our mission to educate the public and foster a culture of safety in the backcountry, the Sierra Avalanche Center is offering scholarships for avalanche education this season. Scholarships can be used for American Avalanche Association approved Level 1, Level 2, Rescue, Pro-1, Pro-2, and Pro-SAR courses. Applicants need to make sure they meet the prerequisites for the course they are targeting. 

Awards will be announced late November. Recipients are required to provide photos and a short summary to SAC after completing their course.

An ideal candidate is someone who:

• Regularly recreates or performs snow-oriented work in the SAC forecast area
• Already skis, snowboards, hikes, or climbs on snow. This Scholarship is not for someone looking to begin a new sport
• Might not be able to take an avalanche course without financial support

Past scholarship recipients have included skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, scientists, recreational backcountry users, professional guides and patrollers, coaches and pro skiers, youth, people who are newer (but not brand-new) to the sport, as well as long-time backcountry riders who had never taken an avalanche course.

Please email us with any questions.