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“We are excited to establish this program with the USATF Foundation to assist our sponsored athletes as they prepare for life outside of track and field.”
– John Burgess, Burgess Family Foundation & USATF Foundation Board Director
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HOW IT WORKS
Application
Athletes submit their online application form.
Interview
Complete phone interview with program coordinator Madison Hughes.
Review
Receive application review decision via email.
Prepare
If pre-approved, gather all required tuition documentation:
– Official Transcript (from College or Registrar’s Office with proof of satisfactory grade)
– Official Invoice (outlining tuition cost and book receipts)
– Official Tuition Receipt (proof of payment matching the invoiced items)
Submit
Submit above documentation to Program Coordinator for review once course is completed.
Madison Hughes
mhughes@usatffoundation.org
C: 920-907-0844
FAQ’s
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this program?
A: Applicants must be current or prior-year USATF Foundation post-collegiate grant recipients.
Q: When does the program run?
A: The program runs annually starting September 1st, following the announcement of that year’s USATF Foundation Elite Grantees.
Q: What are the dates for the pilot program?
A: The pilot program runs from January 1, 2025, through September 1, 2025.
Q: What expenses does the program cover?
A: The program reimburses up to $6,000 in tuition and book costs only. Registration fees, housing, meals, and other expenses are not covered.
Q: What kind of courses are eligible?
A: Courses must be academic or career-oriented. Hobby-related courses are not eligible for reimbursement.
Q: Are there any academic performance requirements?
A: Yes. Participants must earn at least a 2.0 GPA or a “C” grade in each course. For vocational courses, satisfactory completion is required.
Q: Will you be eligible to receive this grant again in the future?
A: Since this is currently a pilot program, we cannot guarantee that any athlete will receive more than one grant. As the program develops, the possibility of future funding for individual athletes will be revisited based on available program funding.
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Gratitude from our Student-Athletes
The USATF Foundation has touched nearly every part of my life over the last few years, from my athletic career to my education. With the generosity of the USATF Foundation and Burgess Family Foundation, the Educational and Vocational Tuition Reimbursement Program has recently enabled me to enroll in graduate school at one of the most prestigious art schools in the world, Savannah College of Art and Design, where I’m pursuing my Master of Fine Arts in Motion Media Design. Since completing my undergraduate studies at Furman University in 2021, it had always been a dream of mine to continue education in the realm of motion media/animation. I never would have thought I’d have the financial opportunity to go back to school so soon if it weren’t for the USATF Foundation. The Educational and Vocational Tuition Reimbursement Program is life changing for me, as it will better prepare me for my next profession when my running career ends, which can be a hard transition for elite athletes. I’m beyond thrilled with this opportunity to learn from the best, build my portfolio and create great connections, all while still competing on the world stage in the prime of my athletic career. This is such an invaluable experience that I know will continue shaping my life in the years ahead.
Thank you so much, USATF Foundation, for your generous support and all that you do for US athletes!
Gabbi Jennings – Steeplechase
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