Athlete Support and Retention dismantles economic barriers to rowing.

Anyone who wants to row should be able to do so, regardless of background or economic circumstance. To help make this possible, the George Pocock Rowing Foundation offers comprehensive financial scholarship support and organizational support to boathouses with the goal of increasing access to rowing for PNW 7-12 graders.

Our approach is well-rounded. It isn't just about cutting a check to cover rowing fees. Rowing in high school requires a lot of different types of support, not just financial. We offer college counseling, gear from JL, transportation to/from practice, and soon through a new partnership, we will be offering physical therapy screenings and treatments. If we really want kids to thrive on a team, we have to be there for them in a variety of ways.  

Partial and full financial aid packages are available, and funds may be used to cover the cost of registration and regatta fees, swimming instruction, team uniforms, and transportation.

The goal of this program is to remove the financial and social barriers that prevent youth, especially youth of color and those facing socioeconomic barriers, from accessing and continuing to participate in the sport of rowing.

Quotes from our Scholarship Recipients

“Rowing is fun and brings me joy. Exercise makes me feel good about myself.”

“…Rowing has helped me grow as a person, especially in an environment that does not have a lot of other kids and coaches that look like me ethnically.”

“I’ve fallen in love with this sport. I’ve found friends and been able to to have a community unlike anywhere else.”

“It keeps me strong. And it’s fun.”

“I feel like I found my sport.”

“I found a great team, friends and coaches who support me and believe in me which is so important to me.”

“I've been rowing now for nearly a year and a half. I can honestly say Rowing is the only sport that I have ever truly enjoyed. It is what I look forward to almost everyday. From the coach's insight and direction to the amazing friends I have met along the way. I can honestly say I have gained so much from having rowing in my life. I truly love the sport.”

Here’s what the George Pocock Rowing Foundation offers athletes of the Pacific Northwest:

Fees: Based on award level, the GPRF will cover 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of registration fees for a youth rowing program.

Swimming Lessons: For athletes who need support preparing for and passing the required float test for rowing, the GPRF will help locate and pay for swim lessons.

Transportation: The GPRF will help coordinate transportation to and from practice for those who do not have alternate means of travel.

Uniform/Gear: In partnership with JL Racing, the GPRF provides training gear and discounted team racing uniforms.

College Counseling: In partnership with Sparks Consulting, the GPRF provides counseling on navigating the collegiate recruiting space for all scholarship recipients.

Partner Boathouses

Why Join the GPRF Partner Boathouse Network?

The GPRF Partner Boathouse network is a group of youth rowing programs in the PNW working toward the same goal; to create and support inclusive, impactful, and accessible spaces for young people.

Here are just a few reasons why your boathouse should join the network:

  • Full administration and support of your scholarship program: applicant tracking, recommendations, awards, award terms, and family info for your boathouse

  • Access to the GPRF Partner Boathouse Network

  • Participation in GPRF Coaching Education Training once a year

For questions about our Athlete Support & Retention program, including becoming a partner boathouse, contact scholarships@pocockfoundation.org

Thank You to our Sponsors!

JL is a family-owned business, run and staffed by athletes. For over 40 years, we have been designing, engineering, and manufacturing technical training and racing clothing.

As a company, JL is committed to value and service. As a family, they stand behind the integrity of their company

Sparks Consulting provides counseling on navigating the collegiate recruiting space for all scholarship recipients.

If you would like to support Our Scholarship program, click below