High School Scholarships

Program Overview: The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage scholarship program recognizes scholastic achievement, participation in cross-country skiing, and community service. Individual awards provided up to $1,500 toward educational expenses at an accredited college or university to Alaskan residents who are graduating high school seniors. NSAA has proudly awarded college scholarships to Anchorage high school skiers for over 30 years.

Geographic Scope: Anchorage, Alaska (Municipality of Anchorage); Alaska resident requirement

Eligibility Requirements:

• NSAA membership for the current and preceding ski season (must verify membership status with NSAA office)
• Member of a Municipality of Anchorage high school cross-country ski team in applicant's junior and senior years
• Resident of the state of Alaska
• Graduating high school senior in the Municipality of Anchorage
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
• Enrollment for minimum of 8 semester hours of coursework during the semester in which scholarship is recorded
• Not eligible: Family members of NSAA Board members and/or scholarship selection committee members

Selection Criteria:

• Academic performance
• Participation in cross-country skiing activities
• Community service performed while in high school
• Essay (500-word maximum) on "benefits you have received from skiing"
• Volunteer service to NSAA and the Nordic skiing community by applicant and/or their family
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from: 1) a teacher or counselor and 2) a ski coach

Important Requirements:

• Successful applicants must submit their college or university student ID number and program information by June 30, 2026 to NSAA before their award can be disbursed

Contact Information:

• NSAA Office: admin@anchoragenordicski.com
• Phone: (907) 276-7609
• Address: 9170 JEWEL LAKE RD, ANCHORAGE, AK 99502

Application Process

1. Verify NSAA Membership: Contact NSAA office to confirm membership status for current and preceding ski season before applying
2. Prepare Required Materials:
   • Essay (500-word maximum) addressing "benefits you have received from skiing"
   • Two (2) letters of recommendation:
   • One from a teacher or counselor
   • One from a ski coach
3. Submit Application: Apply online through the application portal at anchoragenordicski.com/about/scholarship/
4. Verification: Have your student ID number and program information ready to submit by June 30, 2026 if selected as a recipient

Application Materials Required

• Completed application form
• Essay (500-word maximum)
• Letter of recommendation from teacher/counselor
• Letter of recommendation from ski coach
• Proof of NSAA membership for current and preceding ski season
• Documentation of high school cross-country ski team participation (junior and senior years)

Selection Timeline

• Application deadline: March 31st annually
• Award notification: Prior to June 30th
• Student ID submission deadline: June 30th (to disburse award)