PSIA-AASI Announces 2023-24 Winter Scholarships

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (Sept. 13, 2023) – The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) announced the open application period for six scholarships for Winter 2023-24.

“Professional development access and affordability are crucial for our members to build careers in snowsports education. PSIA-AASI scholarships directly support our members with funding for certifications, credentials, educational events, and memberships,” said PSIA-AASI Education Foundation Committee Chair Lisa Mattis. “Each scholarship enables members to advance their ski and snowboarding education and training while furthering their professional and personal goals.”

Below are descriptions of each scholarship, along with application deadlines.

PSIA-AASI & Women of Winter Scholarship

PSIA-AASI & Women of Winter are providing scholarships to members and non-members and hosting education events for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color that will encourage and support women to pursue opportunities to teach skiing or snowboarding. The application deadline is Saturday, Sept. 30. To learn more, visit Women of Winter Scholarship.

Adaptive Education Track Scholarship

This scholarship program awards members and non-members with funds to pursue an adaptive certification education track. These scholarships help offset expenses related to preparing for and attending an adaptive certification during the season. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31. To learn more, visit Adaptive Education Track Scholarship.

Certification or Specialist Education Track Scholarship

This scholarship program awards members and non-members with funds to pursue a certification or specialist education track. These scholarships help offset expenses related to preparing for and attending a certification or specialist credential during the season. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31. To learn more, visit Certification or Specialist Education Track Scholarship.

Nancy Oakes Hall Women’s Scholarship

Founded by former PSIA Alpine Team Member (1992-96) Nancy Oakes Hall, this scholarship enables women who are members of PSIA-AASI to advance their skills and seek leadership roles in the industry. The program awards ONE of three separate scholarships each season with funds to: 1. Cover attendance at PSIA-AASI’s National Academy; or 2. Cover attendance at the Women’s Summit; or 3. Help offset expenses related to attending a PSIA-AASI education event. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31. To learn more, visit Nancy Oakes Hall Women’s Scholarship.

Small Snowsports School Scholarships

This scholarship is for PSIA-AASI Member Schools around the U.S. with not more than 150 staff members. The award provides access to educational events and education leaders, such as PSIA-AASI National Team members, who provide experiences that may be career-changing. Small schools are training the future leaders of our industry to make the commitment to educate the public about skiing and snowboarding. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31. To learn more, visit Small Snowsports School Scholarships.

Veteran Workforce and Education Track Scholarship

In partnership with the Tenth Mountain Division Foundation, this scholarship program provides veterans and active military personnel with educational opportunities that support the transition to careers in the outdoor industry. This scholarship will help offset membership expenses with PSIA-AASI or National Ski Patrol (NSP) and help cover the cost of education tracks from either PSIA-AASI or NSP. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31. To learn more, visit Veteran Workforce and Education Track Scholarship.

Editor’s Note
For more information about PSIA-AASI Scholarships, or to request an interview with Lisa Mattis, please contact Susan Urbanczyk at surbanczyk@psiaprodcms.azurewebsites.net.

About PSIA-AASI
The Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) is a nonprofit education association – and close-knit community – of more than 33,000 snowsports professionals dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for others through snowsports instruction. PSIA-AASI members give people the gift of freedom, health, and the ability to enjoy sports that will reward them for life. Members of PSIA-AASI are busy creating the future of skiing and snowboarding – the association is there to help make that job easier, providing the platform and support to ensure their success.