top of page
THE FUTURE IS FEMALE
We're excited to announce a 2026-27 season NORDJÖRK Women's Cross-Country Skiing Coaches Scholarship. An education scholarship for established and aspiring women cross-country ski coaches, educators and dreamers. If you’re a woman coach with the drive, creativity, and compassion to set the future of our gliding sport onto a different path, this scholarship is for you!
#letsgetnordical
photo credit: flyingpointroad.com
THE MISSION
For women cross-country ski coaches to further their education and professional advancement, support the holistic development of the athletes and teams they work with, and provide a positive role model for upcoming women ski coaches.
Across athletic programs at the NCAA level, fewer women coaches are filling head-coaching roles since Title IX was signed into law.
That was in 1972, as old as Jenn who happens to be typing this content. Which is a super fun way of comparing how TITLE IX was insanely successful at encouraging, supporting, funding and providing for the success of female athletes - of which the self-same person still typing - got to enjoy playing field hockey, lacrosse and tennis.
But, the TITLE IX system failed when it came to ensuring a balanced approach to coaching opportunities.
Instead? More men kept being awarded head-coaching positions for women's sports teams, without the inverse keeping the numbers stable.+
And? According to recent research across domestic racing teams, US National team and EISA, CCSA and RMISA, women cross-country ski coaches only represent 30% of the entire coaching staff.^
But! Research has shown that teams with balanced coaching roles provide athletes the chance to explore deeper and more creative problem-solving, build emotional intelligence, and develop stronger communication skills. This creates robust skiing communities with successful athletes on the set track – and in life.*
Funk this. We want to do our part to help shift the drift.
+ NCAA Title IX 2022 State of Women in College Sports
^ Nordic Insights
* Women in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games: An Analysis of Participation, Leadership and Media Coverage. Coaching through a Gender Lens: Maximizing Girls’ Play and Potential // Women's Sports Foundation
SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES: THE BASICS
SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES: THE DETAILS
ELIGIBILITY
The NORDJÖRK Women's Cross-Country Skiing Coaches Scholarship takes female coaches to the next level by providing funding for professional development, and engage aspiring women coaches to support their studies, education needs, and set them up for future success in their careers.
As such, we are looking for cross-country ski coaches who are:
- Minimum 18+ years old currently coaching in the US. High-school, college, pro team and non-profit coaches are encouraged to apply.
- Looking to further their education studies and accreditation requirements with USSA, IBU and USOPC. This can be in the form of conferences, virtual learning opportunities, webinar + speaker series, or coaches looking to move through second and third level courses.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications are reviewed internally by the NORDJÖRK team and discussions with the Women's Ski Coaches Association. Selection criteria may include, but not limited to, leadership/coaching experience, extracurricular involvement, community service, employment, essays, and in some cases, your vibe. Quality of writing and content are weighed heavily.
- Once a preliminary round of applications have been reviewed, the top 10 applicants will be invited to a short - and fun - interview to select the final two (2) recipients.
- During these interviews we will discuss the guidelines of funds (reimbursements, advance registration, etc.) as we understand the unique nature of each applicants' financial needs.
ADDTIONAL DETAILS
The NORDJÖRK Women's Cross-Country Skiing Coaches Scholarship is funded by the goodness of our hearts and a strong wish to see more women at the coaches table. We expect recipients of this scholarship to:
- Be jazzed about NORDJÖRK, our mission to celebrate and amplify our little corner of the skiing world, and act on behalf of our brand.
- At the conclusion of your coaching education, conference or other learning module - provide NORDJÖRK with content, imagery and writings that can be shared with our cross-country skiing community.
THE APPLICATION
If you’re a woman coach with the motivation, creativity, compassion and drive to set the future of our gliding sport onto a different path, this scholarship is for you! Please be sure to reach out via skadi(at)nordjork(dot)com if you have any questions, we're happy to help!
ps: Jenn's tired of being only 1 of 3 females at a coaches table big enough for twelve, it's time to flip the script. Come join the party!
bottom of page