Why Polar?
The goal of the Polar Academy’s scholarship is to train and inspire future generations of BIPOC polar adventurers, guides and winter lovers. We hope to use stories of past explorers and present day adventurers to educate and guide. We realize that while many people are interested in this type of experience, there are many barriers that have limited a more diverse representation. Our goal is to remove some of those barriers by providing, at no cost, a week-long polar training course with travel, meals and equipment included for six BIPOC individuals.
About Matthew Henson
Matthew Henson was an African American Polar Explorer and very likely one of the first people to stand on the North Pole. For nearly 25 years (in the early 1900’s), Henson participated in 18 expeditions to the Arctic and was widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and competent explorers of the time. His remarkable achievements have left an enduring legacy in the world of exploration and have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams against all odds. Moreover, Henson’s contributions to the field of Arctic exploration challenge historical prejudices and highlight the significant role of Black explorers in shaping our understanding of the polar regions. His story serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, determination, and the limitless potential of human achievement, transcending cultural and racial boundaries. By continuing to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Matthew Henson, we honor his enduring impact on exploration, diversity, and the indomitable human spirit.
About Jack Wolfskin
For almost 40 years, Jack Wolfskin’s name and pawprint have been a symbol of their trailblazing spirit and regard for nature. Since 1981, Jack Wolfksin has been leading the pack with innovative, eco-conscious technologies, commitment to social responsibility, and forward-thinking designs. Jack Woflskin is proud to support the Polar Academy and is committed to making the outdoors inclusive for all which reinforces that “discovery” can happen for everyone.
The Course
An Adventure of a Lifetime
Do you dream about becoming the next Matthew Henson? Or are you simply interested in honing your winter travel skills?
Learn valuable skills and techniques that will allow you to travel comfortably, safely and efficiently in cold and snow – whether it is just a weekend excursion or an expedition to the North or South Pole. Based out of a cabin on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota, this course covers all aspects of modern-day polar travel through intensive seminars and a ‘mini’ expedition.
After spending the first three days alternating between indoor instruction and outdoor practicals, students will embark on a four-day polar-style expedition. With temperatures well below zero and conditions nearly identical to both the Arctic and Antarctic, this adventure will provide a challenging, yet safe, opportunity to experience the many facets of modern ‘polar’ expedition life. This is a very ‘hands on’ course where students are active participants in all aspects of camping, meal prep and travel.
DAY 1
Fly into: Minnesota’s Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI)
DAY 2
Expedition orientation, gear check and shuttle to cabin. Seminars: Polar / Winter tent set up and cold weather sleeping. Evening Presentation Emily Ford.
DAY 3
Seminars: Winter Layering, Polar Skiing and Sled Pulling, First Aid, Expedition Stove Use. Evening Polar Presentation: Erick Cedeno.
DAY 4
Seminars: Expedition Nutrition, Menu Planning, food and sled packing. First ‘expedition’ night out.
DAY 5
Seminars: Gear Drying, Winter Overnight Debrief, Photography. Practical: Expedition Travel Day.
DAY 6
Expedition Travel Day
DAY 7
Expedition Travel Day
DAY 8
Expedition Travel half day. Return to Hotel. Team Dinner.
DAY 9
Departure
Our Guides
Advisory & Scholarship Selection Team
Erick Cedeno
Erick Cedeno was born in Panama and raised in Miami. One of my favorite hobbies is to travel the world by bicycle and engage with people and nature along the way. He is the founder of Bicycle Nomad which was created to inspire and motivate people to travel by bicycle and see what I have seen; love compassion, kindness from people. Erick will be assisting throughout the entire the polar academy course in January.
Emily Ford
A lifelong resident of Duluth, Minnesota, Ford is no stranger to the cold. She is the first Black Woman to Hike Wisconsin’s 1,200 Mile Ice Age Trail in Winter. In February and March of 2022, she skied, skijored, and snowshoed across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northern Minnesota. Breaking Trail is a short film about Emily Ford and Diggins’s (Emily’s dog) 2021 expedition that premiered at the Banff Film Festival last November. Emily will be co leading the polar academy course in January.
Danica Carey
Winter lover, cold weather gear innovator and former competitive soccer player, Danica Carey is the Director of Marketing at Seirus Innovative Accessories, a family-run company, based in San Diego. In this role she has helped the brand develop and launch products that bring technical gear to all outdoor enthusiasts. Having always been a sports and outdoor enthusiast, she continues to pursue that passion through soccer, ranching, skiing and just about everything in between. Danica is a prior participant in the Polar Training Course as well. She will be assisting throughout the entire polar academy course in January.
Rohan Freeman
Rohan Freeman grew up in Jamaica and is the first African American to climb the Seven Summits. He has trekked to both the south and north poles and skied across the Greenland icecap. In addition to being an entrepreneur and founder of successful construction, engineering, and real estate development companies, Rohan is also active in several civic and cultural organizations, including the national board of Outward Bound and the Federal Reserve Bank’s New England Advisory Council. Rohan has been recognized regionally as “CEO of the Year” and was recently inducted into the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame.
Additional support is provided by
The Polar Academy would also like to thank the following organizations for their generous donations
Application
Terms and conditions
All entries must be received by December 1st 2023. Winners will be notified by December 8th, 2023.
The entrant should have a strong desire to pursue polar exploration and willingness to travel (and sleep) in extreme polar conditions for a week.
The entrant must have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to (prior to attending the course) hike with a backpack for several days in a row for at least 4 hours each day. You will have 2 months to prepare more fully for the course.
The entrant must provide a valid medical certificate signed by a licensed medical professional confirming their physical fitness for strenuous outdoor activities in extreme conditions.
The entrant must have valid medical insurance
The entrant must be willing to live, sleep and eat in a close proximity to other training participants as well as share a tent with others.
The entrant should understand that this is an educational course and participation in all aspects of polar travel is expected – dressing properly, camp set up, meal preparation and more.
The entrant should understand that this is a wilderness course and access to modern conveniences will be very limited
The entrant must be willing to travel by ski while pulling a sled in very cold winter environments for nearly a week.
The entrant must be at least 21 years old.
The entrant must be willing to sign and photo and video release allowing partners to use their image and likeness.
The entrant must be willing to use social media to share the story of their adventure.
Submissions are now closed while we pick our lucky winner!