The Edward “Eddie” Zhou STEM and Figure Skating Enrichment Fund honors Eddie, a brilliant and kind figure skater who passed away in the American Airlines flight 5342 crash on January 29th, 2025. Eddie excelled beyond measure in figure skating, academics, and music. He possessed one of those rare souls that was like an endless ball of joy and kindness.

Each year, the Fund will award a $1,000 grant to a hardworking Northern Virginia middle or high school figure skater who demonstrates kindness, a joyful spirit and a keen interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or figure skating enrichment opportunities, just as Eddie did. The grant is intended to be applied to any structured opportunity offered in the U.S. such as (1) a STEM summer camp or program through a university or academic institution, (2) a professional-led class focused on any area of STEM, or (3) a figure skating seminar, camp, or defined program through a skating rink or skating club.

Though the grant is available for either a STEM or figure skating opportunity, skaters who indicate an interest in a STEM opportunity will be given priority. The $1,000 will be paid directly to the program designated by the grant recipient, and not to the recipient him/herself. The Fund’s goal is to encourage both academic and athletic success in skaters, just as Eddie showed in his life, and to ensure that his memory lives on in the minds and experiences of a generation of figure skaters.

The first Edward “Eddie” Zhou STEM and Skating Fund enrichment grant has been awarded as of spring 2026. Further updates for the 2027 grant application will be available this fall.