Monthly Archives: Oktober 2024

The College Skateboarding Educational Foundation (CSEF) recently announced their 2024 scholarship recipients in an exciting press release. What began as a modest initiative a few years back has transformed into a life-changing opportunity for hundreds of skateboarding-enthused college students nationwide and they’re just getting started. The stoke is real! Check out the recipients and learn more below. 

The team at CSEF has been diligently working for years, and their growth has been pretty remarkable, to say the least. “CSEF’s 2018 [1st] scholarship class received a modest $3,000. While maintaining forward progress through the pandemic, CSEF was able to award $50,000 in scholarships in 2023,“ says CSEF Executive Director, Keegan Guizard. „And now, showing continued growth, they’ve written $90,000 in scholarship checks (to 35 scholarship recipients) this year.”

That’s huge! Congrats to all the recipients and major shoutout to the incredible crew at CSEF. What they’re doing isn’t easy, but all that hard work certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. And personally, I love to see it.  

Related: Tony Hawk Recreates ‚Central Park Mystery Skater‘ Photo From 1965

Want to learn more about CSEF? Sign up for their newsletter, browse or make a contribution at their website, and follow them on Instagram.

For all the nitty-gritty details, check the official press release below:

The College Skateboarding Educational Foundation (CSEF) has officially awarded $90,000 in college scholarships to 35 skateboarders studying in the U.S. in this year’s scholarship class. While skateboarders pursuing college may have been an anomaly in the past, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is making higher education more accessible than ever for the skateboarders of the present and future. It is the only nation-wide college scholarship for skateboarders.

This year alone, 268 student skateboarders applied for a scholarship with CSEF. The 35 scholarship recipients represent 28 different schools in 16 different states, ranging from undergraduate to Masters and Doctorate studies.

“This year we figured out that the 268 skaters that applied for a scholarship this year pay over $1.3 million dollars per semester out of their own pocket. We all know a college education in the US is too expensive, but that number really blew us away.” says Thomas Barker, CSEF Co-Founder. “That is our north star. We want college to be affordable for every skateboarder so they can use their education to change the world and not just pay off their student loans.”

This $90,000 mark has come with continuing partnership initiatives from prior years. These include memorial scholarships in collaboration with Rollin’ From The Heart that focus on awarding grants specifically to skaters from San Diego and to those studying the arts. They also incorporate a partnership with famed photographer Atiba Jefferson to offer scholarships for skateboarders that particularly study photography and/or film.

“I’m so stoked to support the next generation of skateboard photographers and filmmakers. The Atiba Jefferson Scholarship fund is giving $8,000 to support photography/film college and graduate students in the US that are skateboarders,” said Atiba.

There were also new scholarship opportunities unveiled in 2024. The Skullcandy Scholarship for Engineers exists to help the next generation of skateboarders who will fill the crucial technical positions at companies in the action sports industry (and beyond). Justin Regan, Skullcandy VP of Global Marketing and CSEF Board Member shares, “Skullcandy makes complicated audio electronics and we know how rare it is to find qualified engineers that also understand the lifestyle of our active youth consumers. We are honored to support Augustine in his engineering journey and hope to inspire more students from within our culture to pursue their academic goals.”

The Emerald Peace Scholarship is the brainchild of CSEF Board Member Ash Martinez and serves first-generation students, DACA /Dreamer recipients and those who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She says, “This scholarship is the first of its kind. It was created for the people who historically have not had opportunities equal to others’. My mission is to create our own doors for success, because we have the power to make systemic change. I’m beyond proud to have awarded $15k in scholarships this year to the incredible individuals who are making change in their communities.” Ash Martinez, CSEF Board Member and Emerald Peace Scholarship founder.

CSEF partnered with No-Comply Skateshop in Austin, Texas on their first ever scholarships for students attending community college. The skateshop exists on the same property as Austin Community College, so these scholarships were created specifically for students attending ACC. This is a true testament to how legacy skateshops support and look out for the best in their people.

As CSEF continues to thrive, growing their scholarship offering each year, they are currently still operated by a 100%-volunteer Board of Directors. “Every dollar that comes in from any donor, large or small, goes directly to the scholarship fund. All money from the fund goes directly to the scholarships awarded each year. So each dollar given to CSEF is not only a tax-deductible donation but also converts right to scholarship dollars in the student accounts of skaters across the country,” says Executive Director, Keegan Guizard. “CSEF’s 2018 [1st] scholarship class received a modest $3,000. While maintaining forward progress through the pandemic, CSEF was able to award $50,000 in scholarships in 2023. And now, showing continued growth, they’ve written $90,000 in scholarship checks (to 35 scholarship recipients) this year.”

Next summer will bring CSEF’s 8th scholarship class, adding to the $216,000 they’ve cumulatively awarded to their 105 unique scholarship recipients.

Words by Anthony Pappalardo

Whether it’s millimeters, wheelbases, or shoe minutiae, skateboarders tend to be “gear obsessed.” With the prices of decks rising largely due to wage increases and material costs, we’re more aware of the economics of inches. Still, the expense of skateboarding has changed and, without getting into the weeds on inflation, it’s impacting the entire ecosystem of skateboarding.

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For the over 170,000 Indigenous tribal members of the Navajo Nation whose per capita income is roughly one-third of the national average, the dollar has a much different and more dire meaning to daily life than those of us with the ability to re-up from our phones impulsively. With 81-percent of American voters claiming the “economy” is the biggest issue in the upcoming election in November, the needs and financial standing of the Indigenous population of the US (estimated at over 9 million people) is rarely mentioned or represented, let alone the unequal conditions lacking infrastructure on the 300-plus Native reservations throughout the US.

Ignoring this situation is not possible for Diné artist, designer, entrepreneur, and activist Amy Denet Deal. Currently based in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she operates the brand 4KINSHIP, Deal’s work creating a platform for Native creators extends into different disciplines and lanes, with skateboarding becoming a growing arm of her efforts. Though she’s not a skateboarder herself, Deal understands the potential reach of skateboarding as an outlet that’s both physical and creative, and with the help of younger mentors embedded in the culture of skateboarding, she moved quickly to tap into that potential. 

In 2021 Deal founded the Diné Skate Garden Project to celebrate Diné youth and introduce and sustain skateboarding in the Toadlena community. Through DSGP’s efforts, donations, and sponsorship, by Fall 2022, a 7,400 square-foot park was built by Wonders Around the World and 5th Pocket Skateparks in Newcomb, NM near Navajo Nation. Along with other community events and aid, Deal and DSGP created the Modern Matriarch Skate Jam–a woman and femme-focused day of skateboarding on Navajo Nation–with help from Di’Orr Greenwood, who Deal describes as “A guiding light for DSGP and our community initiatives like Modern Matriarch Skate Jam.” Initially a passion project and source of extra money, Greenwood’s wood-burning artistry and designs have appeared on collaborative decks, and US Postal Service stamps, and in 2024, Nike SB released two customized silhouettes by Greenwood, each telling a different story about her heritage and inspiration.

With a team and park in place, DSGP continues to a high bar, however, providing access to equipment for Indigenous youth has proven to be a barrier and ongoing focus of DSGP’s efforts.

“In 2023, after our first Modern Matriarch Skate Jam event, my friend Micaela from the Poseiden Foundation introduced me to Scott Sentianin, who had an amazing offer: 5,000 Monarch Project completes and Protec Helmets at an unbeatable price,” Deal said. “How could I say no? This was a chance to change the lives of 5,000 kids by giving them access to much-needed gear. Unpacking thousands of boxes was a big job, but seeing the joy on so many kids‘ faces made the room come alive. We handed out the first 1,600 boards in just over an hour!”

Focused on distributing 5,000 completes, Deal’s continued to work with Greenwood and a Two Grey Hills local known as the “shreducator.” Shawnshine Harrison spends three days a week at Two Grey Hills Skate Park in Newcomb, New Mexico teaching kids interested in rolling around the sprawling park. Modest yet outspoken about the stereotypes and lack of awareness of Indigenous culture, Harrison’s “Masa TV” and “Shawn Shine Show” videos lampoon those biases, often leveraging the line “Proof That Natives Exist,” while offering an open truth of his day-to-day. Proof of skateboarding’s impact, Harrison’s “Skate Across Native America” YouTube video is a 22-minute 44-second distillation of his 61-mile eight-hour push along cracked desert-lined highways from Farmington, New Mexico to Two Grey Hills Skate Park. 

“Skateboarding saves lives because it’s a dance with danger,” Harrison said. “We live in a society where everything is “protected”. We don’t have to hunt for food in the literal sense. There are no wild animals in our modern towns. So skateboarding is a way to learn how to deal with danger. It’s something inherent in us that doesn’t get used too often nowadays. Skateboarding gives us the ability to become something more than we can be. Two Grey Hills Skatepark offers a place where anyone can express themselves creatively. It’s a place in an underserved area where there isn’t much going on and the significance is just the beginning of inspiring others to tap into something deep within themselves to help them grow creativity. “

With ongoing free lessons and events, Deal and crew will be distributing completes and safety equipment at Navajo Nation fairs throughout the Fall in Tuba City in Arizona as well as Shiprock, NM, but as Deal has found, the demand is not only growing but greater than the 5,000 boards currently making their way to the reservations.

“We’re planning to keep working on annual funding to make this event happen each year during the Navajo Nation Fairs,” she said. “If you want to help out, you can text SKATEINBEAUTY to 707070 to support our crowdfunding for future equipment. If you work at a skate company you can donate or let us buy your overstock. Let’s get these boards to kids on the reservations and support indigenous skate culture.”

For more information on supporting 4KINSHIP’s efforts contact community@4kinship.com.

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With Halloween around the corner, expect plenty of horror-inspired collabs coming your way. HUF is properly embracing the fright with their new bone-chilling The Texas Chainsaw Massacre collection—available now—just in time for the season. Swipe through for a closer look below:

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As a major The Texas Chainsaw Massacre fan, this collection has me seriously stoked. Even though I don’t usually wear necklaces or jewelry, that little chainsaw pendant is calling my name. And the Leatherface baklava? Again, not something I’d probably ever wear, but so dope nonetheless. 

Fun fact: they actually sold real chainsaws when launching this collection! They’re sold out now, but I just thought that was pretty epic. 

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The collection has it all—tees, hoodies, sweaters, jackets, hats…and much more. You can peep all the gear right here, and if you can, hit your local and see if they stocked up for the season! 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre released in 1974 and is undoubtedly one of the most timeless independent horror films ever. If anything, let this collection inspire you to revisit this classic flick, or better yet, watch it for the first time! You won’t be disappointed, but you may be a bit spooked.  

Bring on the horror collabs! 

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