Grant Recipients

Each year in late spring, MMCF opens applications for the Academic Elite Team Award to recognize student-athletes who balance academic and athletic excellence—a remarkable achievement given the demands of competitive winter sports. Along with pertinent information the requirements are as follows: The student/athlete must be a member of MMSST or the Mammoth Nordic Team. The student/athlete is in the third grade or higher. The student/athlete has a 3.5 GPA or above. The student

Soccer is an extraordinary sport that nurtures both physical and mental well-being. Physically, it offers a full-body workout that strengthens the cardiovascular system, builds muscle, improves coordination, and supports healthy weight management. Mentally, it fosters teamwork, confidence, and focus. Recognizing these comprehensive benefits, we were eager to review and support the grant application submitted by the Mammoth High School Soccer Coach. About the coach and his in

Earlier this year, we shared the story of how Sierra STEM is inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and outdoor leaders by making hands-on STEM education accessible to local youth throughout the Eastern Sierra. (If you missed it, you can read that story here.) This summer, we sent photographer Nicole Sands to experience Sierra STEM's camps firsthand. From wildlife encounters and geology lessons to wilderness medicine and environmental stewardship, she capture

Ewen Tomaier From the outside, it's easy to see the podiums: a first-place finish at Diamond Peak, a Junior World Championship appearance, a World Cup final, even a trip to the Olympics. What most people don't see are the thousands of hours spent getting there. Priscila Cid The Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation's Elite Athlete Grant supports young athletes pursuing excellence in skiing and snowboarding, but after speaking with this year's recipients, one thing became abun

Nestled in the Eastern Sierra, the Come to Life Homeschool Group is a vibrant, parent-led cooperative providing essential supplemental education, enrichment, and community support for homeschooling families throughout the Owens Valley. Operating as a true co-op, the non-profit relies entirely on shared parent volunteerism to bring group-focused subjects—like hands-on science experiments, art, and seasonal festivals—to life. We recently caught up with parent and grant writer A

As one of the few advanced science courses offered at Mammoth High School, Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science gives students a unique lens through which to study the complex ecological and land-management issues of the Eastern Sierra. While our local landscape serves as an incredible living laboratory, experiencing a completely different ecosystem is vital for a comprehensive scientific education. To bridge this gap, Alicia Chang, Science Teacher & Head Cross Count

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time skiing laps and riding chairlifts with some of the incredible athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 16-year-old freeskier Emily Campbell for a few spring park laps at Mammoth Mountain. At this point in the season, Mammoth has entered full spring mode. The snow is soft, sticky, and rapidly disappearing under warm bluebird afternoons, leaving behind slushy pa

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time skiing laps and riding chairlifts with some of the incredible athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 16-year-old alpine ski racer Calvin Wong for a few spring laps around Mammoth Mountain. By now, Mammoth is deep into late spring conditions. What starts as firm snow in the early morning quickly transforms into sticky slush by noon, especially around Chair 3

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time riding chairlifts and skiing laps with some of the incredible young athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 14-year-old ski racer Sadie Hinson for a few slushy spring laps around Mammoth Mountain. By this point in the season, Mammoth has fully entered spring mode. The snowpack is rapidly shrinking under warm bluebird afternoons and the occasional dramatic thu

As part of MMCF’s Elite Athlete Spotlight Series, I’ve been spending time riding chairlifts and skiing laps with some of the incredible young athletes supported through our Elite Athlete Grant program. This week, I met up with 15-year-old ski racer Sara Tomaier for a few spring laps around Mammoth Mountain. Born and raised in Mammoth, Sara has been skiing practically since she could walk. We met at Chair 1 on a sunny Saturday afternoon, where she rolled up in her MMSST race k

This year, MMCF is adding a new element to our Elite Athlete end-of-season interviews by meeting a select group of athletes where they’re most at home—on the mountain. Alongside our traditional interview process, this series gives us the opportunity to ride chairlifts, ski laps, and spend time getting to know the young athletes we support through the MMCF Elite Athlete Grant program in a more personal way. These grants help offset the costs of competing at a high level, and t

Every night from November to February, the Charles Brown Auditorium transforms into a hub of energy and community. As the home of the Sierra Roller Hockey League (SRHL), the rink hosts three games a night, bringing together over 50 players and dozens of spectators from across the region. "It’s amazing to see the progress," says the SRHL board, an all-volunteer group of coaches and referees. This year was particularly special for their 50 Jr. Mite players; many started the sea