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.
You Must Meet All Six Requirements
To be considered for a Grant or a Scholarship, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application.
Utah residency
Must have been a Utah resident for at least one year. 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. Homeschool families may qualify with documented transcripts comparable to a K–12 standard.
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.
Grants & Sponsorship Tiers
Any qualified athlete automatically earns a Grant — 75% of what their sponsors deliver, uncapped. A Scholarship is a competitive award reaching one of the three tiers below, combining your Grant with a supplemental GAD contribution. Full definitions and worked examples are on the Mission & Purpose page.
The Grant
75% of whatever your Business Sponsors actually deliver to GAD — any amount, no application ranking required, no tier restriction.
Entry-level or developing competitive schedule with consistent training and competition commitment.
Stronger competitive trajectory, increased training intensity, and a more demanding race schedule.
Exceptional potential and commitment with a substantial, intensive competitive schedule.
How Scholarship Applications Are Reviewed
Every eligible athlete with a Business Sponsor earns a Grant automatically — no review needed for that part. These factors determine whether GAD adds a supplemental contribution to reach a Scholarship tier; no single criterion is determinative.
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01
Race history & activity
Races completed in the current/prior season and races planned for the upcoming season.
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02
Training & coaching involvement
Participation in structured training programs, coaching relationships, or training camps.
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03
Coach assessment of trajectory
Where the athlete is headed, and how the award would support that progression — not just current performance.
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04
Years of active participation
Longevity in the sport, considered alongside development stage so newer athletes aren't disadvantaged.
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05
Race results & standing
Considered as one indicator among many — not weighted heavily, since financial barriers can limit race frequency.
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06
Documented cost to participate
An estimate of anticipated season costs: race fees, travel, lodging, equipment, and coaching.
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07
Pledged sponsorship
Larger, more credible pledges from your Business Sponsors improve your odds of a Scholarship, all else equal — see Grants & Scholarships explained.
What You'll Need
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A written recommendation from your current head coach or team director
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A documented estimate of your season's anticipated costs (fees, travel, lodging, equipment, coaching)
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An official or school-issued transcript or grade report, if requested
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A list of your Business Sponsors and the amounts they've pledged (not yet delivered — that happens after your award notice)
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. Limited grace beyond the November 30 deadline may be granted at GAD's sole discretion — it is not guaranteed, so plan to submit on time.
From Pledge to Reimbursement
Your application lists pledges, not verified funds — here's exactly how a pledge turns into real support.
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01
Application — list your pledges
Submit your online application listing the Business Sponsors who've pledged to support you and the exact amounts promised, along with your eligibility documentation.
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02
Award notice — Grant or Scholarship
The committee reviews your eligibility and pledges by December 31. If your pledges and qualifications reach a tier, you receive a Scholarship Award notice stating GAD's flat supplemental contribution. Otherwise, you receive a standard Grant tracking notice.
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03
Activation — sponsors deliver
Contact your sponsors to fulfill their pledges and deliver their tax-deductible donations directly to GAD. GAD will confirm delivered funds through a pledge-fulfillment tracker as part of this step.
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04
Reimbursement
Submit itemized receipts for approved expenses. GAD reimburses up to the sponsor dollars actually received on your behalf (minus GAD's 25%), plus any active Scholarship supplement.
Three Things That Catch People Off Guard
A Scholarship supplement is conditional. If your sponsors don't fully deliver on their pledges, GAD's added portion is rescinded and your award is reclassified as a standard Grant based on the funds actually received — your 75% Grant share is never at risk, only GAD's supplemental contribution.
You'll sign an agreement before funds move. Before any funds are disbursed, selected athletes (or a parent/guardian, for minors) must sign a scholarship agreement provided by GAD, covering award terms and a liability release for accidents, injuries, or bodily harm. This agreement is still being finalized.
You need your own medical insurance. GAD's general liability insurance policy does not cover individual Grant or Scholarship recipients' competitive activities — that coverage applies specifically to team development programs run through the 501(c)(3), not individual award recipients.
Reimbursement is receipt-based: after your funded activity or season concludes, itemized receipts for all claimed expenses are due within 30 days. Missed documentation deadlines make an athlete ineligible for future awards until resolved.
Submit Your Application
Applications are accepted August 31 through November 30 each year. You can edit your response after submitting, but edits aren't guaranteed to be considered once the committee has begun reviewing your application — so have your coach recommendation, cost estimate, and your list of pledged Business Sponsors ready before you begin.
Application form coming soon
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