The Intermountain Division has several scholarship opportunities available each year for members and member schools to pursue education and professional goals. These scholarships are funded primarily from the silent auction at Spring Clinic and donations to the Education Fund.
This scholarship supports PSIA-Intermountain members seeking financial assistance to attend educational events, certifications, or workshops that further their professional development.
Ideal candidates are instructors who show:
- Financial need
- A commitment to improving their teaching
- A clear plan to bring value back to their home resort or team
This scholarship reflects our region’s values of professionalism, lifelong learning, and community contribution.
Open to all disciplines and certification levels.
The Women ’s-Specific Scholarship is awarded to female instructors pursuing professional development opportunities that support their continued growth and leadership in snowsports.
Ideal candidates will:
- Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional growth
- Articulate how they plan to uplift other women in the profession
- Show how their learning will benefit their ski school or resort
Open to women of all levels and disciplines. Events may be regional or national in scope.
Adaptive Education Scholarship
This scholarship supports members pursuing credentials in any adaptive discipline—cognitive, visual, mono-ski, bi-ski, or four-track.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Financial need
- A strong commitment to adaptive instruction
- A willingness to educate peers and support inclusive teaching
This scholarship reflects PSIA-AASI Intermountain’s belief in access, inclusion, and the powerful impact of adaptive education.
Early-Career Instructor Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for instructors in their first or second year of teaching who are seeking opportunities to build a strong foundation in snowsports education.
Applicants should:
- Express enthusiasm and curiosity for the profession
- Identify a specific event or credential to support their growth
- Show how the experience will help them contribute to their school
Open to all disciplines. This scholarship helps launch a long, successful career in instruction.
Mark Nakada Children’s Specialist Scholarship
The Mark Nakada Children’s Specialist Scholarship honors the legacy of Mark Nakada—a charismatic, passionate, and deeply committed educator who made a lasting contribution to children’s instruction in PSIA and beyond.
Mark served as an instructor, coach, and mentor. He was a PSIA-AASI Board Member, the Children’s Discipline Manager, and a key contributor to the development of the National Children’s Standards. Mark brought joy, energy, and care to everything he did—especially in the education and support of instructors working with children.
This scholarship will be awarded to an individual who embodies Mark’s love for teaching and his commitment to creating magical, meaningful experiences for our youngest guests.
Ideal candidates:
- Are pursuing education or credentialing in the Children’s Specialist track
- Demonstrate a deep passion for working with children
- Intend to grow their impact through youth instruction and share that learning with others
This scholarship honors Mark’s legacy by supporting instructors who bring play, purpose, and professionalism to children’s snowsports education.
Heather Dumas Women’s Leadership Scholarship
The Heather Dumas Women’s Leadership Scholarship honors the legacy of Heather Dumas—a ski instructor, coach, and mentor who left a lasting impact on the Intermountain community.
Heather was a trainer at Snowbasin and a member of the PSIA-Intermountain Education Staff. Her motto, “Self-Care Without Sacrifice,” reflected her belief that women can lead, teach, and thrive professionally while living a full and healthy life.
Heather was known for her bold presence, deep friendships, and passion for mentoring women in the profession.
This scholarship is awarded to a female instructor who is actively mentoring others or on the path to becoming a trainer. The award can be used for the Women’s Summit or other educational events. The recipient will:
- Embody Heather’s passion, drive, and generosity
- Inspire others through their leadership
- Use this opportunity to further their impact in the industry
This award honors Heather by supporting the next generation of “badass” women leaders in snowsports education.
IM Small Schools Scholarships offer training opportunities for the trainers and instructors at our smaller schools. These may be multi-school webinars or on-location clinics with targeted topics. This scholarship can be applied for by any school that meets these 3 requirements:
1: Do not have an active ed staff member in the discipline for which they apply for outreach.
2: Offer lessons in the requested discipline to the public.
3: Have used all their existing outreach opportunities.
For the 2025/26 season, the deadline for the IM Small Schools Scholarship application is October 1st
