Reach out to APD Manager, Michele, with questions on how to utilize resources: michele.lowry@usskiandsnowboard.org

Education

Tuition Reimbursement:

• U.S. Ski & Snowboard will reimburse athletes and alumni up to $6,000 annually for college courses taken within the previous academic year. The application process for this program occurs 2x annually - in the fall (November-December) for courses taken the previous Spring and Summer terms, and in the Spring (May-June) for courses taken the previous Fall/Winter terms.

Tuition Reimbursement is currently open through May 1! Apply through the online form here. 

USOPC Tuition Grants:

• The Team USA Tuition Grants are intended to encourage athletes to further their education in preparation for lifelong career goals by defraying a portion of athletes’ tuition costs. An athlete's essay responses, financial need and other scholarships awarded are considered when determining an award. Applications are available here for current and retired Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, Parapan American and Games alumni athletes.

In-State Tuition:

• Through ACE and the USOPC, eligible Team USA athletes living and training in Colorado and Utah can receive in-state tuition at select public colleges and universities regardless of an individual’s resident status.

Mark Prisant - Heidi Heltzel Scholarship:

• The purpose of the Marc Prisant and Heidi Heltzel Athlete Scholarship is to support current U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes and alumni athletes who are pursuing their college education, by providing pre-enrollment scholarships of up to $10,000. Pre-enrollment scholarships will provide flexibility and accommodate applicants’ needs as they make decisions related to enrollment. Application will be open November 1 - December 15, 2025.

Textron Aviation:

• Our partner Textron Aviation is supporting athletes, and staff, who are interested in studying to get their pilot's license.
• If you are interested in learning to fly, or if you currently hold a pilot's license and would like to earn additional ratings or endorsements, please apply for the Take Flight: Textron U.S. Ski & Snowboard Flight Training Scholarship in August.
• Applications will open August 2025 and be sent via email to eligible athletes and alumni.

College Guidance:

• Personalized college advising for athletes and alumni looking to enroll, re-enroll, or transfer schools in higher education.

Career

Resume Review & Interview Prep:

• Whether starting from scratch or fine tuning, ACE offers personalized review and feedback of athlete's resume and/or LinkedIn profile. Once the resume lands you an interview, ACE can support with one-on-one work to fine tune talking points and review questions to anticipate.

Internships/Shadowing:

• Personalized opportunities to intern or explore areas of work within USSS, as well as with our partners, trustees, and other affiliated groups.

Workshops:

• Done individually, with a group, or with an entire team. ACE workshops focus on areas like: identifying values, fundraising best practices, and networking tips.

USOPC Resources:

• Including: taxes and financial education, social media training, and career coaching.

Transition

Rookie Camp:

• A comprehensive on-boarding experience for rookies to learn the ins and outs of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. They get to meet staff as well as understand the resources and expectations of them as a newly named athlete.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alumni Huddles:

• Zoom sessions to support recently retired athletes in navigating life beyond sport. Soon to be open to alumni 5+ years out from the team!

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alumni LinkedIn Group:

• Group to support alumni in connecting, networking, and utilizing U.S. Ski & Snowboard/USOPC resources that are still available to them.

Tuck Next Step:

• Next Step brings elite athletes and veterans together to leverage their leadership, discipline, problem-solving, team-building, and operational abilities. TUCK’s program enables athletes to build on and translate their real-world experiences in ways that will accelerate a successful transition into a rewarding and meaningful career in business.

USOPC Pivot:

• Assisting retiring athletes in their health and well-being as whole people beyond athletics by providing tools, techniques and a support system to discover and cultivate their next passions and goals as they transition out of elite competition. Athletes will realize they are not alone, have the opportunity to share and relate their experiences with others going through the same transition, and receive support for future success.

Continued Access to ACE:

• Depending on competition level and tenure, alumni athletes get continued access to education funding and career support through U.S. Ski & Snowboard and USOPC.

Funding

Grants and Funding:

• Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund (JSARF) - Application for this will open February 2024. In the spirit of Jeff Shiffrin, and to honor his legacy and beliefs, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to offer need-based, direct-to-athlete stipends for athletes currently named to the A-D/Rookie Teams to fund their sports careers. Stipends may be used for any expenses related to an athlete’s training, competitions, living expenses, and/or other needs, including but not limited to, medical bills, insurance bills, and rehabilitation from injury.
• ACE can help athletes who have additional funding needs by connecting them with organizations who are financially supporting athletes at the National team/elite training level. Some of these opportunities include: USOPC Simon Grant, World Cup Dreams/T2 Foundation, Level Field Fund, The Women in Sports Foundation, etc.
• See the resource document “ACE Grant Opportunities” for more information.

ALL athletes should please register with the USOPC ACE program to access all USOPC ACE services and resources:

https://www.teamusa.org/athlete-career-and-education-program