About
The Foundation
In 1999, mountaineering outfitter Alpine Ascents International established the Alpine Ascents Foundation. Now known as the Sherpa Education Fund, the foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the lives of people who live in indigenous mountain areas by providing their youth with access to top-quality education. SEF started in 1999 by sponsoring six Sherpa students for their full tuition, room, board, uniforms, and books. Today, SEF sponsors nineteen students who attend the Kathmandu Valley Higher Secondary School in Kathmandu.
The Sherpa People
The Sherpa people of Nepal are well-known for their mastery of the mountains. With deeply rooted Buddhist traditions and unprecedented survival skills, the Sherpa people have led and supported innumerable climbers up the infamous Mt. Everest. Alpine Ascents International is deeply indebted to the Sherpa people for the help and wisdom they provide to help clients realize their dreams of summiting in the Himalayas. The Sherpa Education Fund is a token of gratitude that AAI and its clients give back to some of the Sherpa people in order to try to help them reach their goals as well.