ScheduleClass public form

Sail Chicago Scholarship Application (2026)

Deadline: March 8, 2026 · Notification: March 18, 2026

General information

The scholarship program is part of Sail Chicago’s commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) among its members within the organization as well as in the sport of sailing.

The goal is to promote the sport of sailing to groups that have historically faced barriers to participation, such as people of color in the United States and people from low socioeconomic households.

These barriers have included racial segregation in/exclusion from boating clubs or high costs of participation in the sport.

Studies have shown a strong link between participation in outdoor sports such as sailing with physical and mental wellbeing at the individual level, as well as increased active citizenship within social and natural spaces at a societal level.

Instructions

Please complete the below information and complete by clicking “Submit” below.

Applications are to be submitted for individuals interested and committed to a Sail Chicago membership and completion of a 4-class Crew (adult beginner) course in 2026.

Applications not submitted before the deadline of March 8, 2026 will not be considered.

Recipients will be informed of the award by March 18, 2026 and provided one week to choose classes before registration is open to general membership.

Please note: by completing the application, you attest to the following:

Applicants are 18+ years of age
If chosen as a recipient, I acknowledge that if I am unable to find a course that fits my schedule, the scholarship will be awarded to someone else.
Upon accepting the award and registering for a course, I will complete the Pre-Sail Orientation and US Sailing Basic Keelboat online course prior to the beginning of my on the water course. Online course materials will be provided upon scholarship award.
I am attesting to my intention to complete the 4 on-the-water classes, noting that classes may be rescheduled due to weather or discretion of the instructor.

Short answers

Name

Age

Must be 18 or older.

Primary email

Primary phone number

Current employer (if applicable)

Current job title (if applicable)

Long answers

Why you are interested in joining Sail Chicago

How you identify as part of a group that has historically faced barriers to the sport of sailing

How the scholarship would impact your life

How you foresee your future Sail Chicago membership furthering diversity within the organization

If you volunteer with any other organizations and what your responsibilities may be

Any other engagement opportunities you are interested in with Sail Chicago

Any other pertinent details you would like us to know

I attest to all items above.

This form is public. Do not include sensitive information you wouldn’t want shared with Sail Chicago scholarship reviewers.