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(12/17/2009) - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- U.S. Figure Skating and the Pioneer Fund announced today the establishment of the Helen M. McLoraine Figure Skating Scholarship Program to assist eligible current and former amateur and professional figure skaters who which to pursue a college education. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time undergraduate study at an accredited institution of the student's choice.

The Pioneer Fund is a private family foundation, established in the 1960s by the late Helen M. McLoraine. Influenced by her mother's dedication to philanthropy, McLoraine became a generous benefactor to others with a focus on figure skating, higher education assistance and medical research. McLoraine's most cherished pastime was the sport of figure skating, and she attended many competitions, events and skating shows throughout the world each year.

The scholarship program is administered by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America. As many as 10 scholarships will be awarded, ranging from $3,000-$7,000 per scholarship recipient. Scholarship applications must be postmarked by Feb. 18, 2010.

Information on the program and the scholarship application can be found at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/pioneerfund/.