Navigating Financial Support: Opportunities for U.S. Figure Skating Athletes
Welcome to Part 7 of the Figure Skating Club of Southern Maryland’s blog series, “Navigating the Ice!” We’re here to help skaters and parents explore and understand the world of ice skating, based on the official U.S. Figure Skating Journey, and identify your best skating path.
This issue explores U.S. Figure Skating (USFS) scholarship and funding opportunities.
Links are available below if you missed previous discussions in this blog series.
Part 1: Learn to Skate, Introduction to Ice Skating Disciplines, and Membership
Part 2: Unveiling the Art of Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance, and Synchronized Skating
Part 4: Skating Opportunities in USFS
Part 5: U.S. Figure Skating Competitions
Part 6: A Guide to U.S. Figure Skating’s Athletic Assessments and Training Camps
In the realm of competitive figure skating, financial support can make all the difference in allowing athletes to pursue their dreams. Various avenues exist for skaters seeking assistance with the considerable expenses of training, competing, and traveling, from scholarships and grants to specialized funds. One notable resource is the U.S. Figure Skating Athlete Support Fund, a vital lifeline for Team USA athletes across different performance envelopes. Additionally, prize money awaits those who excel on the international stage, further incentivizing dedication and achievement. Below we explore some of the financial opportunities available to U.S. Figure Skating athletes.
Scholarships, Awards, and Grants
Skaters who are seeking financial aid have the option to apply for scholarships and grants. U.S. Figure Skating will distribute over $750,000 to eligible athletes for the upcoming year. Funding opportunities are available throughout the year, and applicants must fulfill specific requirements before applying. Information on the below list of scholarships and funding opportunities accessible to U.S. Figure Skating athletes is available from https://www.usfigureskating.org/scholarships-and-funding/scholarships-awards-and-grants.
Scholarships open June through August
The application window for these scholarships has closed. Check back in June 2024 for the next round of applications.
Memorial Fund
Buch Family Academic Scholarship
DREAM Scholarship for Synchronized Skaters
Joyce Komperda Athlete Support Fund
Scholastic Honors Team
The Mabel Fairbanks Skatingly Yours Fund
Scholarships open March through May
The application window for these scholarships is now open!
World Team College Scholarship Program – NOW OPEN
Scholarships open December through February
The application window for these scholarships has closed. The next round of applications will be available in December 2024.
Scott Hamilton Skaters Education Fund
If you have questions about U.S. Figure Skating scholarships, awards, or grants, please contact financialaid@usfigureskating.org.
Team USA Funding
ASUPP Funding
The U.S. Figure Skating Athlete Support (ASUPP) Fund financially assists Team USA athletes in the A, B, C, and D envelopes by aiding them with their skating expenses. Skaters must fulfill specific criteria outlined in the published team envelope for singles, pairs, and ice dance.
Prize Money
Athletes can also obtain prize money based on their placement and the type of international event. Prize money is available for the following international competitions: ISU Junior Grand Prix Series, ISU Grand Prix Series, ISU Junior Grand Prix Final and Grand Prix Final, and ISU Championship Events.
For more information regarding podium prize money, please visit the International Skating Union website.
Synchronized Skating Fund
Team envelopes are determined by the following criteria for synchronized skating:
U.S. Figure Skating provides a grant to synchronized skating teams named to Envelope A-C. International Selection Pool teams are also eligible to receive training and travel grants each season.
More information on Team USA Funding is available from https://www.usfigureskating.org/skate/scholarships-and-funding/team-usa-funding.
The landscape of financial support for U.S. Figure Skating athletes offers a multitude of avenues for assistance, from dedicated funds like the U.S. Figure Skating Athlete Support Fund to prize money earned through international competitions. These resources alleviate the financial burden on athletes and their families and serve as a testament to the sport's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth. By leveraging these opportunities, skaters can focus more fully on their craft, knowing that their dedication and hard work are supported by a community invested in their success. As each athlete's journey unfolds, these financial lifelines stand as pillars of encouragement, empowering them to reach new heights on and off the ice.
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Are you ready to embark on your figure skating journey? Whether you’re a novice lacing up your first pair of skates or an experienced skater looking to elevate your skills, our blog series is here to help you every step of the way. In the coming months, we’ll continue to provide advice, tips, and insights to guide you through this exciting world of figure skating. Let’s lace up, hit the ice, and unlock the magic of figure skating!