National Championship Mentorship Grant

This unique program provides an emerging elite coach a behind the scenes experience of the strategies, meet prep, mental preparation, and "in the moment” coaching in a selected event at the 2026 USATF Outdoor Championships, July 23-26, New York, NY. Up to eight (8) grants will be awarded, with each recipient receiving a registered coach credential, travel assistance, and access to shadow an assigned elite coach.

Application Criteria

• Must be a current head or assistant coach with a minimum of five years’ experience.
• Experience coaching an athlete to a USATF Outdoor Championships, USATF U20 Championships, Collegiate (NCAA/NJCAA/NAIA) Outdoor Championships, or Nike Outdoor Nationals within the last five years.
• Current member of the USATF Coaches Registry (advanced USATF or USTFCCCA certification preferred).
• Fully complete the online application.

Important Notes

• All applications must be received by May 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
• Applicants must meet all program requirements at time of selection/event.
• Applicants cannot have an athlete competing in the same event(s) they are shadowing at the 2026 USATF Outdoor Championships.

Additional Information

• All applications will be reviewed by the USATF Coaches Advisory Committee Grants Subcommittee.
• Successful applicants will be notified via email and provided with further instructions within two weeks of the application deadline.
• Grants cannot be deferred or substituted for another program.