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.

Application deadline: No longer being accepted for the 2025-26 season. Please explore our other scholarship options. If you are interested in this scholarship for the 2026-27 season, apply early.

2025-26 applications closed. The max number of applications has been reached.

Are you ready to get certified or are you a certified instructor who is ready to add on a Freestyle or Children’s Specialist credential? This scholarship supports your next move!

The Certification or Specialist Education Track Scholarship is available to help individuals become better teachers by pursuing education. Recipients can also deepen their knowledge by attending an event to improve their skiing or riding, and teaching.

How to Apply

  • Review scholarship funding.
  • Review the application criteria.
  • Review the application materials.
  • The deadline to submit is Saturday, November 1, 2025 or when the max amount of applications have been received. Scholarships will be announced in late November.
  • Please note: If you apply for and receive a scholarship this season (2025-26) and do not use it this season, you’ll need to reapply for the same scholarship for next season (2026-27).
APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSED

  • Specialist or certification exam fee.
  • May include education resource materials expenses.
  • One full season of PSIA-AASI membership dues during the 2025-26 season (only if applicable in some cases when the individual applying is not a current member).
  • May include travel expenses.

Be a current member of PSIA-AASI, or…

  • Be a non-member and have an interest in working as an instructor.
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities in PSIA-AASI and/or another industry.
  • Express interest in pursuing any level certification (in adaptive, alpine, cross country, snowboard, or telemark) or pursuing a specialist designation (in children’s or freestyle).

Applicants must answer the following questions on the Application Form.

  1. Pick an important experience from your life and explain how it’s influenced who you are today.
  2. Describe your PSIA-AASI involvement.
  3. Describe how you’ve demonstrated inclusive leadership and/or service at your snowsports school or in your community.
  4. What is your education plan and timeline? For example, what clinics/events and/or exam would you like to attend this season and why? Are there any education resources that will help you? What is your 2 or 3-year education plan?
  5. Anything else the Review Committee should know about you?

Give a Gift

The PSIA-AASI National Education Foundation provides education resources and training for professional ski and snowboard instructors to enhance their personal growth, further their instruction career paths, and improve other people’s experiences on the mountain. Your tax-deductible gift helps create lifelong adventures through education.

Give A Gift