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 three separate scholarships each season with funds to:

  1. Covers attendance at PSIA-AASI’s National Academy
  2. Covers attendance at the Women’s Summit
  3. Offset expenses related to attending a PSIA-AASI education event.

Application deadline: October 31, 2024

2024-25 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. 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.

Video courtesy of the Nancy Oakes Hall Foundation.
Video credit: Chris Macdonald, FuseMedia.

Available Scholarships

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

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.

National Academy

This scholarship covers National Academy event registration, some lodging costs to a set amount, lift tickets, and up to $500 travel expenses.

Women’s Summit

This scholarship covers Women’s Summit event registration, some lodging costs to a set amount, lift tickets, and up to $500 travel expenses.

How to Apply

  • Review the available scholarships and select one that supports your professional goals.
  • Review the key dates.
  • Review the application criteria.
  • Review the application materials.
  • Submit your application and materials by, or before, 11:59 p.m. MT on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. 
applications closed

Deadline to Apply: Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MT

Scholarships Announced: Late December 2024

Note: 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).

Late applications or incomplete applications missing materials will not be considered.

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.)

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.
Nancy Oakes Hall Women's Scholarship recipients say hi to the camera at National Academy 2019
Snowboarders at the 2020 Women's Summit ride Snowbird

Past Scholarship Recipients

Listen to Podcast Featuring Tera Adams, Mindy Fairchild, Jennifer Lockwood, Jessica Parcheta, and Stephanie Zimmers.

Listen Now

“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

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.

Give A Gift