Mountain bike and get a scholarship

With the recent troubles in the financial and credit markets, everyone has felt the impact. Whether its a union worker hoping to keep their job or a small business owner looking for a credit card to upgrade existing equipment. In fact the reach of the credit crisis has gone so far as to hit higher education.

Several institutions have restricted or ended their programs that were in place to provide new and returning college student with loans. This has increased the burden on these young adults at a time where few alternatives seem to be readily available. And even turning to mom and dad, the ultimate source of most college funding, is not an option in this environment.

But there are some options that still exist. One of those options has just been created by Milligan College in Tennessee. For the new students entering the college in the fall 2009 semester, a scholarship will be available that never existed before. The scholarship is based in athletics, but unlike traditional sports this new scholarship is based in an extreme sport that the youth of the nation can more readily connect with.

Mountain Biking.

Yes, this is the first scholarship I am aware of that is solely based on mountain biking. It is part of an effort at Milligan College to compete in the Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference. There are 4 events that involve mountain biking directly:

cross country
short track cross country
dual slalom
downhill

Obviously Milligan wants to have their college make a name in this growing sport. And for the graduates of the class of 2009 there is the opportunity to ensure they have an entry into higher academics. Overall this is a win-win for all involved.

When you consider the cost of a college tuition, which at Milligan is $25,650 up 13% from just 2006, every dollar is important. With financials unable or unwilling to meet their obligations, and new loans becoming scarcer I think what Milligan is doing is a big deal. And the fact that this is a scholarship based on a healthy sport is a big bonus.

So if you are in high school, a scholarship might make the difference for you. and you are good at competitive mountain biking, now you know. Good luck.