Eligibility & Application

Apply for a Grove Athlete Development Scholarship

Review the eligibility requirements and evaluation process below, then submit your application during the open window. All decisions are made by the Grove Athlete Development awards committee and are final.

August 31Application window opens
November 30Application window closes
December 31Award notifications sent
General Eligibility

You Must Meet All Six Requirements

To be considered for any award, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application.

Utah residency

Proof by valid Utah driver's license/state ID, a current utility bill, or similar documentation (parent/guardian's name for minors).

Age & academic standing

Enrolled in grades K–12 at an accredited Utah school, or as a full/part-time student at an accredited collegiate institution.

Active team membership

Current member of a NICA-affiliated team (K–12) or recognized collegiate cycling team at the time of application.

Race participation

At least one sanctioned MTB race in the current or immediately preceding season. First-year athletes may be considered case-by-case.

Coach or director recommendation

A written recommendation affirming active participation, commitment, competitive trajectory, and good standing.

3.0+ cumulative GPA

Maintained on a 4.0 scale at time of application; an official transcript or grade report may be requested.

Award Tiers

Three Funding Levels

Tier 1
$2,000

Entry-level or developing competitive schedule with consistent training and competition commitment.

Tier 2
$5,000

Stronger competitive trajectory, increased training intensity, and a more demanding race schedule.

Tier 3
$10,000

Exceptional potential and commitment with a substantial, intensive competitive schedule.

Evaluation

How Applications Are Reviewed

No single criterion is determinative — every application is reviewed holistically by the awards committee.

  • 01

    Race history & activity

    Races completed in the current/prior season and races planned for the upcoming season.

  • 02

    Training & coaching involvement

    Participation in structured training programs, coaching relationships, or training camps.

  • 03

    Coach assessment of trajectory

    Where the athlete is headed, and how the award would support that progression — not just current performance.

  • 04

    Years of active participation

    Longevity in the sport, considered alongside development stage so newer athletes aren't disadvantaged.

  • 05

    Race results & standing

    Considered as one indicator among many — not weighted heavily, since financial barriers can limit race frequency.

  • 06

    Documented cost to participate

    An estimate of anticipated season costs: race fees, travel, lodging, equipment, and coaching.

  • 07

    Self-sourced sponsorship

    Verified outside sponsorship is weighted favorably. See how self-sponsorship works.

Before You Apply

What You'll Need

  • A written recommendation from your current head coach or team director

  • A documented estimate of your season's anticipated costs (fees, travel, lodging, equipment, coaching)

  • An official or school-issued transcript or grade report, if requested

  • Documentation of any verified sponsorship funding already received (bank statement, deposit confirmation, or sponsor letter)

Ineligibility

Who Isn't Eligible

An applicant is not eligible if they are not in good standing with their team, do not maintain a 3.0 GPA, have been suspended by NICA or another applicable governing body, or received a prior award and failed to submit required post-award documentation.

The awards committee reserves the right to request additional documentation and to prioritize awards based on available funding, application volume, and program goals. All decisions are final.

If You're Selected

What Happens After Notification

Award notifications are sent by December 31. Before any funds are disbursed, selected athletes (or a parent/guardian, for minors) will be required to sign a scholarship agreement provided by Grove Athlete Development. That agreement will set out the terms and conditions of the award and include a liability release holding Grove Athlete Development harmless for accidents, injuries, or bodily harm arising from the athlete's participation.

After your funded activity or season concludes, itemized receipts for all claimed expenses are due within 30 days. Funds not supported by documentation of eligible expenses must be returned, and missed documentation deadlines make an athlete ineligible for future awards until resolved.

Application

Submit Your Application

Applications are accepted August 31 through November 30 each year. Have your coach recommendation, cost estimate, and any sponsorship documentation ready before you begin — you won't be able to save and resume the form.

Application form coming soon

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