Scholarships + Students
Students
Start building your future in the trail industry.
The International Trails Summit is a chance to learn directly from trail professionals, explore career paths, and make connections with people working for agencies, nonprofits, trail companies, and other organizations across the industry.
Explore trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, natural resources, recreation management, GIS and data, accessibility, community engagement, conservation, engineering, education, and more. In addition to the full Summit program, we’re developing sessions specifically for students and people entering the trail industry, with a focus on career opportunities, pathways into the profession, and connecting with trail professionals and potential employers.
There are three ways for students to participate:
Attend the Summit — 50% off
Students receive 50% off full Summit and single-day registration. Attend educational sessions, explore the exhibit hall, participate in field learning, and connect with professionals from across the trail industry. Limited scholarships are also available.
Join us Thursday for FREE
Students can attend Thursday, April 15 for free. Spend the morning in educational sessions, then head outside for the afternoon Off-Site Day featuring field-based learning, demonstrations, tools, equipment, and the Dirt Demo. Registration is required.
Present your work
Have a trail-related research project, class project, capstone, internship, or other work to share? Participate in the Student Poster Session on Wednesday, April 14 and share your work with trail professionals from across the industry. Get feedback, make connections, and build your résumé.
Ready to join us?
A discount code is required to receive the 50% student rate. Email summit@americantrails.org to request the code or with questions.
Emerging Trail Leaders Scholarships
American Trails and the Professional TrailBuilders Association are proud to offer Emerging Trail Leaders Scholarships to help reduce barriers to attending the International Trails Summit for emerging trail professionals from the U.S. and around the world.
Scholarships include free Summit registration. Recipients are expected to volunteer for a minimum of four hours to help with onsite conference logistics.
Our goal is to create an inclusive Summit and expand access to the trail industry. We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color; members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities; and women to apply. There is no age limit to apply.
Applications will receive an initial review beginning November 1, 2026, with additional applications reviewed on a rolling basis as scholarship funding is available.
View the Scholarship Announcement prior to submitting an application to view complete details.
Sponsor a Scholarship
Help make the International Trails Summit more accessible to emerging trail leaders by supporting the Emerging Trail Leaders Scholarship Fund.
A $500 contribution helps provide Summit registration for one Emerging Trail Leader. Your support helps reduce financial barriers and provides access to professional development, networking, and connections across the trail industry.
Anyone is welcome to support one or more scholarships.
A scholarship can be purchased via our donation portal or can be added when you register for the Summit.