Introducing MOSAIC - a program from carolina climbers coalition
MOSAIC program aims to integrate Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) principles into our work by expanding climbing opportunities for historically underrepresented individuals. Climbing is more than a sport—it’s a catalyst for personal growth, land conservation, and human connectivity.
Why MOSAIC Matters
A more diverse climbing community is a stronger climbing community. Through MOSAIC, we aim to create not just physical access to climbing areas, but also to address barriers that limit diversity in the climbing community. By removing these barriers, we ensure that climbing’s benefits are accessible to a greater population, broadening our reach and fostering a new generation of climbers and land advocates.
Impacts of MOSAIC
Health and Wellbeing: Climbing enhances physical and mental health by improving strength, flexibility, coordination, and problem-solving skills. It promotes cardiovascular fitness and mental wellness.
Building Confidence and Resilience: Climbing helps individuals push beyond their comfort zones, overcome obstacles, and build confidence and resilience, especially for those facing systemic barriers.
Fostering Leadership and Empowerment: Climbing encourages decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills, providing crucial early lessons in risk management and responsibility.
Cultivating Diversity: Expanding climbing access for underrepresented individuals enriches the climbing community with diverse perspectives and talents, fostering inclusivity and innovation.
Breaking Down Stereotypes: Highlighting diverse climbers challenges stereotypes and inspires others from underrepresented backgrounds to engage in the sport.
Learn more about our program projects & partners in the Carolinas
Project #1: Collaborative Youth Engagement Project (Wake County, NC)
We’re thrilled to bring climbing opportunities to young people of color in Wake County through a new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County and Triangle Rock Club. This initiative will introduce youth to climbing at Triangle Rock Club and provide outdoor climbing experiences to build their skills and passion. Our goal is to break down barriers and ensure equitable access to climbing for historically underrepresented youth, fostering diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation.
Project #2: Climbing Education and Leadership Development Scholarship Project (Multiple Locations in the Carolinas)
Our Mosaic program is dedicated to increasing diverse participation in climbing by offering education and leadership development support to underrepresented populations in climbing. These populations include, but are not limited to, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQAI+, adaptive, neurodivergent, or economically disadvantaged climbers. We aim to remove barriers to climbing and develop leaders who can advocate for their communities. The program will provide scholarships for aspiring outdoor climbing leaders, funding their training and education with a commercial guide company of the applicant's choice. This initiative supports climbers in achieving certifications and gaining skills needed to become climbing leaders and/or professional climbing guides.
Project #3: Collaborative Youth Engagement Project (Henderson and Transylvania Counties, NC)
We’re expanding our reach to Transylvania and Henderson Counties with the support of FIND Outdoors - Club de Exploradores and The Riveter. This project will engage Hispanic/Latinx youth in outdoor climbing through hands-on experiences at The Riveter and extended climbing sessions in nature. Partnering with Club de Exploradores and The Riveter, we aim to promote inclusivity and adventure-based learning, demonstrating that the natural world is a welcoming space for everyone.
More projects to come! Help us raise support for these and more initiatives!
