The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) will soon send more than 100 balloons into the morning sky. The only balloon with exclusive permission to launch from the festival’s home base, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, happens to be the university—where Winter’s Breeze, a stunning blue-and-white hot air balloon piloted by Sheldon Grauberger, will take off from the university’s quad. But the festival has done so much more than captivate spectators and decorate the morning sky. For more than 30 years, the festival’s scholarship program has worked quietly behind the scenes to uplift and inspire.

Winter Breeze. Courtesy of The Great Reno Balloon Race.

Among the various community engagement initiatives, The Great Reno Balloon Race scholarship program stands out as a beacon of support for aspiring minds in the fields of engineering and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Working directly with then-President Joe Crowley, Ginnie Kersey, a GRBR board member and University of Nevada, Reno emerita, was instrumental in bringing the university on board as a founding member of GRBR. In 1986, the Balloon Race Scholarship Committee was formed to raise money for scholarships for University of Nevada, Reno students. The first scholarship was awarded in the early 1990s for $500 to one lucky student and was eventually increased to two (one undergraduate and one graduate) $2,000 scholarships. In recent years, the committee has raised enough money to award four (two undergraduate and two graduate) $2,000 scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year. Since the committee began awarding scholarships and encouraging students to reach new heights in their academic and professional careers, more than 70 students have received this award.

“We are thrilled that we have been able to increase the amount of scholarships awarded over the years and recently increase the number of students receiving scholarships,” said Sariah Tillotson, co-chair of the Great Reno Balloon Race Scholarship Committee and assistant registrar, graduate services, at the university.

The scholarship program is a reflection of The Great Reno Balloon Race’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. By offering these scholarships, the nonprofit not only provides financial assistance, but also sends a powerful message about the importance of investing in the future of STEM. Recipients of these scholarships are not limited to those enrolled in engineering programs; the program is designed to support any student with a passion for science, technology, engineering or math, regardless of their specific academic path.

“We are proud to be a member of the University Balloon Race Scholarship Committee, continuing the tradition of awarding scholarships to students at the University of Nevada, Reno,” said Desi Tillman, co-chair of the Great Reno Balloon Race Scholarship Committee and a business analyst at the university.

While this initiative is more advanced, it parallels other educational efforts spearheaded by The Great Reno Balloon Race, including the annual tissue paper balloon launch conducted annually with fifth graders from the Washoe County School District. Fifth graders across the region work in groups of three to build their own tissue paper balloon, utilizing principles of team building, trial and error, and a variety of engineering and scientific concepts.

“The Great Reno Balloon Race is proud to inspire the next generation of dreamers, inventors and, of course, pilots,” said Pete Copeland, Executive Director of The Great Reno Balloon Race. “Just as launching tissue paper balloons inspires young students to explore the principles of flight and engineering, the scholarship program allows older students to delve deeper into their studies and ultimately contribute to advancements in STEM fields.”

By supporting students in their choice of STEM education, The Great Reno Balloon Race and its many supporters contribute to a broader effort to continue advancing technology and innovation.

These grant recipients are poised to become the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists who will tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Through its dedication to education and community involvement, The Great Reno Balloon Race is working to pass on the spirit of discovery and innovation to the next generation, helping to create a better future for all.

About the Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest free balloon event. Held annually in Reno, Nevada since 1982, the event has grown from just 20 balloons to over 100, drawing balloon enthusiasts and spectators from around the world. The GRBR is a beloved tradition known for its spectacular balloon displays, vibrant community spirit and dedication to providing a free, family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy.