2023-2024 Applications Are Closed!
Nancy worked hard to achieve her goals. Her motto was she wanted to be the best version of herself. Nancy ski raced in her youth and later taught skiing, designed ski wear, and created exceptional art. Through her many accomplishments she developed a desire to create a women’s scholarship to “pay it forward” in the ways her mentors and friends helped her. She also had a vision – to see more women involved in education and leadership roles in PSIA-AASI.
Nancy created this scholarship program to help women access opportunities for meaningful learning, mentorship, networking, and inspiration. The program awards three separate types of scholarships each year: Certification or Specialist Track, Women’s Summit, or National Academy.
Sadly, in 2018 Nancy passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. The Nancy Oakes Hall Women’s Scholarship continues her legacy. Learn more about Nancy by reading her profile in 32 Degrees.* Please note: The 32 Degrees article mentions the scholarship can be used for your Level I certification. The scholarship has been updated and having your Level I is a prerequisite to apply. You can use the scholarship to earn your Level II or Level III certification.
How to Apply
- Review scholarships and select one that supports your professional goals.
- Review the application criteria and eligibility.
- Review the application materials you need to submit.
- Submit your application and materials for the scholarship by, or before, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. Late applications or applications missing materials will not be considered.
- Please note. If you apply for and receive a scholarship this season (2023-24) and do not use it this season, you’ll need to reapply for the same scholarship for next season (2024-25).
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Apply now.
Watch this video to learn more about Nancy and her vision.
Video courtesy of the Nancy Oakes Hall Foundation.
Video credit: Chris Macdonald, FuseMedia.
Scholarships Available
Please note: You may only apply to one NOH Women’s Scholarship (Certification Track, National Academy, or Women’s Summit) in the 2023-24 season.
Certification or Specialist Track
About: This scholarship offsets expenses related to preparing for and participating in an assessment exam, clinic, or workshop. The scholarships range from $200 to $700 and are provided as a PSIA-AASI gift card to use in the member portal when registering for events.
Must Haves: A Level I, II, or III certification + application materials.
Cover Letter Information: Explain why you are applying for this scholarship. Be specific about how the event(s) you plan to attend relate to your professional development. Also consider how attending these events will help you influence instructors or improve your guests’ experiences. Include information about your background and goals.
Deadline to Apply: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 (11:59 p.m. Mountain Time)
Scholarships Announced: Mid-December 2023.
Please Note: Some Certification and Specialist Track Scholarship recipients are awarded the full amount they requested in their application and others are awarded a partial amount. The funding recipients receive is determined by the scholarship committee’s review process.
National Academy
About: This scholarship covers National Academy event registration, some lodging costs to a set amount, lift tickets, and up to $500 travel expenses.
Must Haves: A Level II or III certification + application materials.
Cover Letter Information: Explain why are you applying for this scholarship. Be specific about how attending National Academy relates to your professional development. Consider how your participation in this event will help you influence instructors or improve your guests’ experiences. Include information about your background and goals.
Deadline to Apply: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 (11:59 p.m. Mountain Time)
Scholarships Announced: Mid-December 2023.
Women’s Summit
About: This scholarship covers Women’s Summit event registration, some lodging costs to a set amount, lift tickets, and up to $500 travel expenses.
Must Haves: A Level II or III certification + application materials.
Cover Letter Information: Explain why are you applying for this scholarship. Be specific about how attending the Women’s Summit relates to your professional development. Consider how your participation in this event will help you influence instructors or improve your guests’ experiences. Include information about your background and goals.
Deadline to Apply: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 (11:59 p.m. Mountain Time)
Scholarships Announced: Mid-December 2023
Learn More About Scholarship Recipients
- Listen to Podcast Featuring Tera Adams, Mindy Fairchild, Jennifer Lockwood, Jessica Parcheta, and Stephanie Zimmers.
- Read Member Testimonials (below)
“The scholarship connected me to a network of women in the industry and allowed me to attend a national event that helped me understand what the membership as a larger group looks like. It gave me the opportunity to access resources that helped me in my next level of development.” – Tera Adams
“The NOH Women’s Scholarship provided me with an opportunity to receive impactful training at National Academy. I will forever be grateful for the meaningful time I had on snow with incredible mentors, current colleagues and new acquaintances.” – Keri Reid
“The NOH women’s scholarship was helpful in the obvious financial sense, but also in knowing that there is a community of women around the country who have similar goals and drive and the relationship between myself and my fellow women kept me inspired.” – Kelli Burstein
Applicant Criteria and Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current female member of PSIA-AASI.
- Embody Nancy’s qualities – kindness, humility, curiosity, tenacity, and a commitment to personal excellence in your chosen snowsports discipline (alpine, snowboard, cross country, adaptive, or telemark).
- Aspire to influence and help their peers through education and mentorship.
- Certification or Specialist Track applicants – Must have their Level I certification (in adaptive, alpine, cross country, snowboard, or telemark).
- National Academy and Women’s Summit Scholarships Applicants – Must have their Level II certification (in adaptive, alpine, cross country, snowboard, or telemark).
Scholarship recipients may apply for a second scholarship after waiting one season from the time they receive their scholarship. (You can’t receive the scholarship two years in a row.)
Application Materials
Applicants must submit and upload all items for each scholarship:
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the scholarship and Nancy’s qualities that you value. Each of the three scholarship programs has separate criteria for the cover letter, please read the information requested for the cover letter in your chosen scholarship.
- A resume that includes relevant education and experience. You can include experiences or courses that do not have an obvious connection to your work or goals but reflect the applicant criteria.
- Two letters of recommendation. One from a current or former supervisor or manager and one from someone in snowsports education. It takes time to write a meaningful recommendation, so give your referral adequate time. Performance evaluations are not considered letters of recommendation. Choose two people who know you and can speak specifically to your strengths and personal contributions. Please only submit two letters of recommendation. Additional letters of recommendation (over two) will not be considered.
Give a Gift
Empower women in snowsports with education opportunities for professional development, and honor Nancy Oakes Hall by giving a gift online, or learn more about PSIA-AASI’s Education Foundation.
To give a gift by mail, please send a check or money order made out to the PSIA-AASI Education Foundation to: 133 S. Van Gordon St. Suite 200 Lakewood, CO 80228. Please indicate your gift is for the Nancy Oakes Hall Women’s Scholarship.
