US Speedskating has renewed its partnership with Salt Lake Community College's (SLCC) Beyond the Podium Program, reaffirming a shared commitment to helping elite athletes pursue both their Olympic and Paralympic dreams and their educational goals. The renewed partnership extends through 2034, when Utah is scheduled to host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with SLCC, especially since our passions and values are so aligned,” said Keith Bryant, CEO, US Speedskating.
“SLCC continues to show its commitment to the holistic development of USS athletes both on and off the ice and their support of our nation’s best athletes is among the best I've seen from any academic institution in the United States."
SLCC first partnered with US Speedskating, the sport's national governing body, in 2017 to provide tuition-free education and high-performance consulting for athletes. Since then, more than 90 student-athletes have participated in the program, including 25 athletes who have competed in the Olympic or Paralympic Games.
Collectively, Beyond the Podium students have earned 11 Olympic and Paralympic medals between 2018 and 2026, including two gold, four silver, and five bronze medals.
The partnership reflects SLCC's commitment to supporting student-athletes beyond competition by helping them prepare for long-term career success. While elite athletes dedicate years to training and competition, many face uncertainty when their athletic careers come to an end. Higher education can provide a pathway and a new purpose as well as financial stability.
"This is a full-time job and commitment, and seeing the end coming is a bit of an identity crisis," said recently retired speed skater Mia Manganello, who attended SLCC while competing and medaled at the 2026 Winter Olympics. "You're on this huge high at the Olympics, and then what?"
Current speed skater Greta Myers said balancing academics and training would be difficult without the support she receives through the program.
"It's definitely not easy to manage both skating and school because skating is a full-time job when you're competing at this level," Myers said. "But SLCC has made it possible for me to balance both while working toward a degree in an affordable way."
To support athletes like Manganello and Myers, SLCC provides tuition-free education and career counseling through the generosity of donors and business partners. Flexible course offerings allow athletes to make progress toward a degree while managing rigorous training schedules, competitions, and frequent travel as they pursue a place on Team USA.
"Few places in the world have the connection to the Olympic movement that Utah does. We're proud to partner with US Speedskating to help these athletes pursue their dreams on the ice while building a foundation for success long after competition ends," said Chris Needham, Beyond the Podium program director.
In addition to US Speedskating, Beyond the Podium also partners with USA Climbing and U.S. Ski & Snowboard, helping student-athletes from multiple Olympic and Paralympic sports achieve their educational and professional goals.