Tuition Assistance Programs

A household’s adjusted gross income and household size is used to help determine Sliding Scale Tuition discounts. Household size is defined as all children under the age of 19 at the end of the previous tax year, or under the age of 24 if a full-time student (per Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004), Parent/Guardian, Spouse/Partner of the Parent/Guardian, and anyone else that can legally be claimed on a federal tax return as a dependent per IRS publication 501.

The Sliding Tuition Scale is only applicable towards Youth Program Registration Fees including SMBA Progression Programs, Summer Camps, and Race Program registration fees. Private lessons, Guided Rides, Trail Passes or Race Registration Fees are not eligible for reduced rates.

If the awarded scholarship is less than a current discount promotion offered for the same registered program, the discounted price is offered and does not impact your household maximum calendar year award. Scholarships can not be applied cumulatively to a discounted rate. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of current promotions at the time of registration as tuition or award refunds will not be offered retroactively.

Sliding Scale Tuition rates may be combined with our payment plan subject to the terms listed under “Payment Plans.”

No. Registrations will not be amended to a reduced rate after registering. Fees will be charged based on your Sliding Scale status at the time of the registration.

The application discount is available for programs within the same calendar year. You will need to reapply each year.

Yes, enrollment expires every year on December 31st and a new application is required at that time.

No. The registration fee for SMBA programs is determined without earmarked scholarship contributions. The scholarship awards are subject to availability based on donations to the SMBA nonprofit scholarship foundation, The Vermont Cycling Foundation, and/or the Vermont Mountain Bike Academy. In an effort to help as many families as possible, we ask that participants stretch their budget as best as they can.

No, not at all. SMBA strives to provide a remarkably high-quality experience for all participants, and we make every effort to create an environment of true equality, eliminating the labels of “full-paying families” and “financial aid families.” Other than the administrators of the scholarship award program, a participant’s tuition payment status is confidential to all member of the SMBA staff and other program participants.

The Sliding Scale Tuition rate is typically confirmed within 14 business days, and as the start of camp or progression programs gets closer, the process can take as little as 1-2 business days!

If a family fills out the Sliding Scale Application for multiple children simultaneously, that factor will be taken into consideration during the initial review process and scholarship consideration. To date, no child has been turned away from SMBA programs due to a family’s inability to pay.

If such changes occur or a family receives a Sliding Scale Tuition rate that they do not feel is affordable, please reach out to us at info@stowemtb.com to discuss options.