Post Collegiate Scholarship Fund

USA Track & Field recognizes that U.S. colleges and universities continue to be major contributors to the success of USATF’s High Performance development pipeline, but this support lasts only 4/5 years. Following the athlete’s collegiate years, USATF recognizes the critical importance of providing special, targeted assistance to high-level athletes in their immediate post collegiate (2 years) – if we expect them to become the next generation of medal winning track and field athletes. The Post Collegiate Scholarship Fund (PCSF) is part of USATF’s effort to fill the “developmental gap” that occurs right after an athlete completes their collegiate track and field eligibility.

In order to apply for this program, an athlete must:

• 1. Be a United States citizen;
• 2. Be eligible to represent the United States at all levels of international competition;
• 3. Be a current member of USATF;
• 4. Have competed in the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships;
• 5. In 2012 have achieved the current Olympic Games “A" standard;
• 6. Have completed and submitted a PCSF application form; and
• 7. Have completed (or forfeited) their remaining collegiate track and field eligibility within the past two years (2011/2012).

The intent of the PCSF is to provide select athletes with financial support that will allow them to focus on training and competing. Funding will be awarded based on a combination of the athlete’s: 1) world ranking (All-Athletics), 2) the IAAF world performance ranking list and 3) place finish at the U.S. (Outdoor) Championships.

Each athlete who is awarded PCSF funding will be required to attend the Emerging Elite Athlete Symposium (“Rookie Camp”) uniquely designed for this group of athletes. The EEAS is a 3 day seminar held in conjunction with USATF’s Annual Meeting in the 1st weekend of December. The symposium focuses on the realities of life as a professional track & field athlete to assist them with making that transition. Seminar topics include but are not limited to: international travel, training and competition, finances and taxes, media presence, working with agents and personal coaches and training away from the college environment; and HP athlete services/resources.

Applicants who are qualified to attend the Emerging Elite Athlete Symposium (Rookie Camp) will be eligible for a one-time stipend that will range anywhere from $1,000 - $5,000. 2nd year (2011) athletes who attended the symposium last year are still eligible for the stipend if they qualify based on the set criteria for 2012 and submit an application, however you will not be required to attend the symposium.

On-line application link

Extended Deadline: Friday, November 2 (5pm ET)

If you need help retrieving your 2012 USATF membership number and password to complete on-line application or have any questions please let me know.

Phone: 317-713-4689; Email: [email protected]

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