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The numbers
In an average year, roughly ten to twenty athletes receive scholarship support to both participate in regular programs and attend events across the globe. Scholarships have supported CSC athletes at: invitational summer training camps (the National U16 camp and Regional Elite Group camp), Junior Nationals, New England U16 Championships, Eastern High School Championships, Biathlon Junior World Championships, US Senior Nationals, the U18 Scandinavian Cup trip, and the National Elite Group training camp, among other things. In total, travel scholarships can add up to anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 per year depending on demand.
Scholarships also provide support for a broad range of kids right here at home in the Northeast Kingdom. In a typical year, ~$10,000 of scholarships are granted locally in the form of fee waivers for CSC program fees and equipment rentals. In the warmer months, fee waivers support kids enrolling in our dryland training programs and mountain bike programs as well.
We’re proud to be part of an organization and community that rallies so much support for our young athletes. Your support of our scholarship fund helps get kids skiing and pursue their dreams on snow. Your tax deductible donation can really make a difference! As everything keeps getting more expensive, we’re trying our best to keep cross country skiing from becoming a sport only accessible to high-income families. In the spring of 2026, regional events like U16s or Eastern High School Championships cost $450, while Junior Nationals is $3,300 before airfare and uniform costs.
FAQs
1. Who should apply for a scholarship?
Scholarship applications are available to any youth athletes participating in the Craftsbury Outdoor Center’s skiing, biking, or biathlon programs.
There is some balance involved in applying for aid (on your end) and making awards (on the end of our scholarship committee). We truly want people to feel comfortable applying for aid, and at the same time, we truly want to maintain a robust fund that can support people as needed. We have no interest in wading into tax returns, etc., and instead rely mostly on a candid assessment of need. Would access to a scholarship enable you to participate or alleviate a real burden on your family? Definitely apply! Is it more of a nice perk that frees up room in the budget for other fun things, or make it so a family member can fly out to spectate at your event? Maybe reconsider.
2. How do scholarships work?
Scholarships are available in two forms:
(a) fee waivers, which can cover anywhere from 10-100% of the cost of fees for programs and equipment. These are typically administered the form of a coupon that is distributed prior to registration/rental.
(b) travel grants. For events that typically see high levels of participation from our athletes, the scholarship committee sets a “baseline aid” recommendation each year. Baseline aid is a recommended starting point for a request, with additional aid available as needed. Events that have historically had a baseline aid recommendation include New England U16 Championships, Eastern High School Championships, and Junior Nationals. Other major events (Junior Worlds, for example) are eligible for scholarships as well. For 2026, the baseline aid for JNs was $1500 and for U16s/EHSC was $225. Travel grants come in the form of a check made out to the applicants.
Except in cases of serious need, scholarships are not granted for the following: NENSA/US Ski & Snowboard/USBA licensing fees, COC memberships, purchase of equipment, race entry fees, or travel to regional series race weekends (such as Eastern Cups or biathlon CanAms). That said, athletes who cannot participate in the sport without assistance for the aforementioned items should fill out a scholarship application and/or talk to the coaching staff.
3. How is money raised for the Kathy Wright Scholarship Fund?
We always accept donations! They are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
We also do a variety of fundraising events, ranging from bake sales to races and beyond.
4. How are scholarship decisions made?
We have a committee of coaches, COC staff, and former/current club parents who review applications.
In making determinations, a number of factors are considered, including how much funding is available for the requests that are made/anticipated to be made.
5. How do I apply for a scholarship?
Scholarship applications should be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the date by which they are needed. While they are reviewed on a somewhat rolling basis, the largest batch is reviewed in mid-September in preparation for winter program registration.
To apply for a scholarship, fill out the application [here]. Questions? Reach out to jrskiing@craftsbury.com.
6. How do I donate to the scholarship fund?
You can donate online here.
You can also send a check to: the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, 535 Lost Nation Road, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827. Please write “Kathy Wright Scholarship Fund” in the note.
All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!
7. How much does everything cost? What should my family anticipate spending?
Check out our cost estimator here [working on this].
8. I feel like I really can’t participate in skiing/biathlon/biking because it costs too much. Can the scholarship fund help?
Most likely—please fill out an application and/or check in with coaches!
9. This is so great! Is there a way we can contribute if we are not able to donate financially?
Yes! We love it when our families step up to volunteer in any number of ways. Volunteer opportunities range from those directly connected to the scholarship fund, such as helping with bake sales, to those that more generally support the Center, like volunteering at races or helping with trailwork. Families are encouraged to log their volunteer hours here. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, reach out to volunteer@craftsbury.com.
10. I still have questions. Who do I talk to?
Email program director Anna Schulz with questions or call 802-538-0981.