Aspen Cycling Club Youth Scholarship 2026

Investing in the Next Generation of Cyclists and Community Leaders

The Aspen Cycling Club (ACC) Youth Scholarship recognizes young cyclists who demonstrate a passion for biking, a commitment to their community, and a desire to give back to the sport and community that support their journey.

At ACC, we believe cycling is about more than racing. It is about building lifelong friendships, caring for our trails, volunteering at events, encouraging teammates, and creating a welcoming community for riders of all ages and abilities.

Whether you race every weekend, ride with your school team, or simply love being part of the cycling community, we encourage you to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be entering grades 7–12, or be a U23 rider (ages 18–22) enrolled in a collegiate cycling program.
  • Reside in the Roaring Fork Valley.
  • Demonstrate a passion for cycling and a commitment to supporting the cycling community.
  • Be in good standing with their team, club, or cycling organization.

While all eligible youth are encouraged to apply, priority consideration will be given to high school students (grades 9–12).

Scholarship Selection Criteria

Recipients will be selected based on:

  • Passion for cycling
  • Commitment to serving the cycling community
  • Leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork
  • Dedication to personal growth on and off the bike
  • Financial need (considered, but not required)

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
  • Scholarship Recipients Announced: August 26, 2026 at the Aspen Cycling Club End-of-Season Awards Celebration

Applicants are encouraged to attend as we celebrate the accomplishments of our cycling community.

Scholarship Recipient Commitment

The Aspen Cycling Club encourages all riders to give back to the cycling community through volunteering, trail stewardship, mentoring younger riders, and supporting club events.

As part of accepting an ACC Youth Scholarship, recipients agree to volunteer at, or find a proxy for the Aspen Gran Fondo during the following season. This event is one of ACC’s largest fundraisers and helps make youth scholarships, free youth racing, clinics, and other community programs possible.

By submitting this application, applicants acknowledge this commitment. Recipients who are unable to fulfill their volunteer commitment at the Aspen Gran Fondo will be expected to return (or forfeit) their scholarship award.

Our Philosophy

The Aspen Cycling Club believes that the strongest cycling communities are built by people who give as much as they receive.

Through volunteering, trail stewardship, mentorship, sportsmanship, and acts of kindness, each of us has the opportunity to make cycling better for the next rider. The Aspen Cycling Club Youth Scholarship recognizes young cyclists who not only love to ride, but who also strengthen their community through service, leadership, and generosity.

Our hope is that every scholarship recipient will carry these values forward—on the bike, in their community, and throughout their lives

Submit the form below to apply for an ACC youth scholarship.

What’s your name, grade, and school? Tell us about yourself, your cycling experience, and what you enjoy most about riding.
What are your goals both on and off the bike over the next year? How do you hope to grow as a cyclist and as a member of your community?
How would receiving this scholarship help you continue participating in cycling? If applicable, please share any financial circumstances that would make this scholarship meaningful to you.
The Aspen Cycling Club believes that cycling is about more than riding bikes—it's about building a community where everyone contributes and everyone benefits. We encourage our members to give back by volunteering at races, helping maintain trails, supporting teammates, and making cycling welcoming for others. In your essay, please address the following: What makes you passionate about cycling? What keeps you coming back to the sport? Describe a time when you gave back to your team, club, trails, or cycling community. Describe a time when someone in the cycling community supported or inspired you. What did you learn from both experiences, and how have they shaped the cyclist, teammate, and person you hope to become? How do you hope to give back to the cycling community in the future?