Frequently Asked Questions

The scholarship is open to student-athletes who demonstrate a commitment to both academic excellence and competitive skiing. Applicants should be current or prospective students at Jackson Hole Community School (JHCS) who participate in competitive ski racing through the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club (JHSSC). Students of all grade levels at JHCS are encouraged to apply.

Both current JHCS students and prospective students who plan to enroll at Jackson Hole Community School are eligible. If you are a prospective student, please indicate this in your application and provide information about your current school.

While there is no strict minimum GPA cutoff, academic performance is an important factor in the selection process. The scholarship committee looks for students who demonstrate strong academic commitment alongside their athletic pursuits. We encourage all interested student-athletes to apply regardless of their current GPA.

All competitive ski racing disciplines are eligible, including Alpine (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G, Downhill), Freestyle, Freeride, and Cross-Country. The scholarship honors Max Martin's love for the mountains and competitive spirit across all forms of ski racing.

Your application should include: a completed application form with personal and academic information, two essays (one about character and community involvement, one about your goals and vision), and optionally a transcript (PDF format). You may also include information about your ski racing achievements, coach references, and a personal reference.

Yes. You have two options for submitting your essays: you can type them directly into the text fields provided in the online application form, or you can upload a single PDF document containing both essays. If you upload a PDF, it should clearly label each essay.

The application includes two essay prompts. Essay 1 (Character & Community) asks you to describe how you embody the values of resilience, kindness, and community that Max Martin represented. Essay 2 (Goals & Vision) asks you to share your academic and athletic goals, and how this scholarship would help you achieve them. Each essay should be thoughtful and personal.

There is no strict word limit, but we recommend each essay be between 300-600 words. Quality and authenticity matter more than length. Focus on telling your genuine story and demonstrating the values that align with Max's legacy.

Currently, the application must be completed in a single session. We recommend preparing your essays and gathering your information before starting the application. You can draft your essays in a separate document and paste them into the form when ready.

The Max Martin Memorial Scholarship provides comprehensive support valued at over $40,000 annually. This includes full tuition at Jackson Hole Community School and funding for competitive ski training through the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club, covering coaching, equipment support, and competition travel expenses.

One scholarship is awarded each year to a deserving student-athlete. The selection committee carefully evaluates all applications to find the candidate who best embodies Max Martin's spirit of academic excellence, athletic dedication, and community involvement.

The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. Recipients in good standing who continue to demonstrate academic commitment and athletic participation may be considered for renewal. The renewal process will be communicated to current scholarship holders directly.

Max Martin was a beloved member of the Jackson Hole community whose life embodied the perfect balance of academic curiosity, athletic passion, and genuine kindness. A dedicated competitive skier and lifelong lover of the mountains, Max inspired everyone around him with his resilience, humor, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This scholarship was established to honor his memory and support young athletes who share his values at Jackson Hole Community School and the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club.

Scholarship funds are distributed directly to the institutions on behalf of the recipient. Tuition payments are made to Jackson Hole Community School, and training fees are paid to the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club. Recipients do not receive cash payments directly.

The Max Martin Memorial Scholarship is specifically designated for attendance at Jackson Hole Community School and participation in the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club competitive programs. It cannot be transferred to other institutions.

You can make a donation through our Donate page. We accept one-time and monthly contributions at various giving levels. All donations go directly to supporting the scholarship recipient. Donations are made to the Balyasny Foundation Inc., a tax-exempt private foundation.

The application period for the 2026 inaugural scholarship is currently open. Please check our website regularly for specific deadline dates, as they will be announced as the selection process is finalized. We encourage early submission to ensure your application receives full consideration.

Recipients will be notified via email and phone following the committee's review process. The timeline for notification will be communicated on our website as the inaugural selection process is established. All applicants will receive a response regarding their application status.

The inaugural Max Martin Memorial Scholarship will take effect for the 2026-2027 academic year. The selected recipient will receive support beginning with the fall semester at Jackson Hole Community School.