Educational Ascent Grant- for employees

The Educational Ascent application cycle is now closed. 

Next Cycle: Educational Ascent Winter 2024

*Please note: Above application link will be live throughout each Educational Ascent cycle.

The Educational Ascent Grant is a one-time financial grant up to US $2,500 for Vail Resorts employees who are pursuing a degree or certificate program. Examples include: vocational degree programs, bachelor’s or specialized degrees (i.e. nursing degrees), master’s degrees, professional degrees (law or medical degrees), EMT certificates.

While the grant is not automatically renewable, applicants may apply at multiple deadlines. There are three applications deadlines per calendar year, occurring in the winter, spring and summer seasons.

  

Who is eligible?

  • Educational Ascent Grants are open only to U.S. Vail Resorts employees with full-time, part-time, furloughed, or SIS (Seasonal Inactive Status) status.

  • Must be actively pursuing a degree or certificate program.

  • Household income is at or below:
    1. Single person household: US$102,060 (refer to the Income Qualifications for households with more than one individual).

What is covered by an Educational Ascent Grant?

  • The maximum award for an Educational Ascent Grant is US$2,500 to cover or support with the costs of tuition, fees, books, and course materials. If your charges are less than US$2,500, the grant will cover the exact charges and no more.

What is required as part of the application process?

  • 5 Short-Answer Questions– These questions focus on the applicant's strengths, career goals, core values, tenacity and financial ability to pay for their course of study.

  • Indication of Enrollment– An official indication of enrollment or course of study.

  • A Letter of Recommendation- A letter of recommendation from a professional or academic contact. Letters of recommendation from family members or close friends will not be accepted.

 
Other Items to Note

  • Educational Ascent Grants have a selective application process. According to IRS regulations, no more than 10% of those that are eligible and apply for an Educational Ascent Grant can be approved.

  • If approved, Educational Ascent Grants are paid directly to your educational institution. 

Questions?  Consult our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS or email the EpicPromise Employee Foundation at epicpromise@vailresorts.com