2024-25 Applications Are Open!
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. Throughout her experiences she aspired to influence and help peers through education and mentorship and 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 that one of the scholarships can be used for your Level I certification. This Certification/Specialist scholarship has since been updated and having your Level I is a prerequisite to apply.
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. MT on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
- Late applications or incomplete applications missing materials will not be considered.
- If you apply for and receive a scholarship this season (2024-25) and do not use it this season, you’ll need to reapply for the same scholarship for next season (2025-26).
- 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 (1) NOH Women’s Scholarship (Certification or Specialist Track, National Academy, or Women’s Summit) in the 2024-25 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. The Gift Card may be used for event registrations and education materials only. It is good for the current season.
Must Haves: A Level I, II, or III certification + application materials.
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 (11:59 p.m. MT)
Scholarships Announced: Late December 2024
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 that 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.
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 (11:59 p.m. MT)
Scholarships Announced: Late December 2024
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.
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 (11:59 p.m. MT)
Scholarships Announced: Late December 2024
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.
- Certification or Specialist Track applicants – Must have your Level I certification (in adaptive, alpine, cross country, snowboard, or telemark).
- National Academy and Women’s Summit Scholarships applicants – Must have your Level II certification (in adaptive, alpine, cross country, snowboard, or telemark).
- Embody Nancy’s qualities – kindness, humility, curiosity, tenacity, a passion for helping students and peers grow, and a commitment to personal excellence in your chosen snowsports discipline (alpine, snowboard, cross country, adaptive, or telemark).
Scholarship recipients may apply for a second scholarship after waiting one season from the time you receive your scholarship. (You will not be awarded a 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. Be specific about how receiving your applied-for NOH scholarship (Certification or Specialist Track, National Academy, or Women’s Summit) relates to your professional development and pathway toward learning and/or leadership. Consider how participation in your applied-for event will allow you to be an influence within your snowsports community and improve your guests’ experiences.
- A resume that includes relevant education and experience. You may include experiences or courses that do not have an obvious connection to your work or goals but reflect the applicant criteria.
- Two (2) letters of endorsement. One from a current or former supervisor or manager and one from someone in snowsports education. Choose two people who know you and can speak specifically to your strengths and personal contributions. Please be sure to give adequate time to those who are writing these special letters on your behalf. Performance evaluations or verifications of employment are not considered letters of endorsement. You will upload the letters as part of your application, so you must receive the letters back from your endorsers prior to the deadline.
Contact Laura Armstrong with all scholarship questions including any issues with the application platform:
Give a Gift
Empower women in snowsports with education opportunities for professional development, and honor Nancy Oakes Hall by giving a gift online, purchasing a Nancy Oakes Hall Neck Gaiter featuring Nancy’s art, or learn more about PSIA-AASI’s Education Foundation.
A sincere thanks to YOU for keeping Nancy’s memory alive and supporting women in PSIA-AASI access opportunities for meaningful learning, mentorship, and networking.
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.