THE PAC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The PAC Scholarship Program was established in 2008 to assist families of swimmers in need. Specifically, we hope to help new and current swimmers overcome barriers to membership with Portland Aquatic Club. The team supports the program with fundraising, and donations are always welcome.

We have a new application process, starting in the 2024-25 season. Please read about the two types of scholarships below, and note the application deadlines. Each type of scholarship involves different benefits, application processes, and evaluation criteria. 

Dues Scholarships 

We have two deadlines for Dues Scholarship applications, to allow for pooled evaluation of candidates. Applications received by the September deadline will have priority, and those received by the March deadline will be considered as resources permit. New and returning swimmers may apply for these scholarships.

Awards: Dues Scholarship awards may cover all or part of the monthly dues for the season. Depending on need, these awards may also include a registration fee credit, team travel assistance, meet fee assistance, gear allowance, and/or adjustment to service hours and fundraising obligations at the scholarship committe's discretion. 

Evaluation Criteria: Dues Scholarship applications will be evaluated based on a needs assessment and coach input. Awards will prioritize applicants who face barriers to swim club membership, identified by the following research-based factors:

• Swimmers with adult family members who cannot swim
• Swimmers with a parent who has less than a college education
• Swimmers from single parent households
• Swimmers who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color
• Swimmers who are Hispanic
• Swimmers who are born outside the US or who have parents born outside the US
• Swimmers who are LGBTQIA+
• Swimmers with physical disabilities

Temporary Hardship Scholarships 

We will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis for temporary hardship scholarships. New swimmers may choose to apply for temporary hardship scholarships if they wish to join the team between Dues Scholarship deadlines, as a stop-gap measure. Current swimmers may apply at any time as needs arise. Applications for Dues Scholarships will have priority, and applications for Temporary Hardship Scholarships will be considered as resources permit.

Deadlines:

• None - Apply at any time

Awards: Temporary Hardship Scholarship awards may provide only one of the following benefits: partial dues for up to 6 months, team travel assistance, meet fee credit, gear allowance, or adjustments to service hours and fundraising obligations at the committee's discretion. Applicants choose which of these options would be most helpful. 

Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on statement of need and coach input. There are no income requirements. Temporary hardship scholarships are appropriate in a wide range of circumstances including but not limited to job loss or reduced hours, family medical event or death, divorce or alimony collection issues, home fire or flood, lease termination, and other events that impose significant unexpected expenses. These scholarships are also appropriate for unexpected swim expenses arising from qualification for championship meets. 

How to Apply

1. Please register for the season first. At registration, you may choose the "pay by check" option to defer payment of the registration fees pending the review of a Dues Scholarship application.
2. Next, CLICK HERE to submit an online application for either a Dues Scholarship or a Temporary Hardship Scholarship. If you have questions, please contact your coach.

Applications are confidential. Decisions are made by a blinded committee without access to identifying details about the applicants. 

Terms and Conditions

Attendance: Scholarship recipients with a monthly attendance rate that falls below 75% must communicate with the coach about their commitment. Awards and/or training groups may be adjusted for swimmers with low attendance that persists for longer than 8 weeks. This requirement protects the team from allocating resources to swimmers with lapsed interest.

Benefits: As in the past, scholarship recipients may apply excess service hours to fundraising at a rate of $35 per hour, rather than the standard rate of $17.50 per hour. They may also apply excess fundraising to service hours at a rate of $35 per hour.