Engaging in sports plays a significant role in the high school journey. Whether you’re a participant in football, tennis, or cross country, the commitment involves rigorous practice, games, and considerable effort.
As you navigate through this athletic experience, it’s essential to consider future aspects, such as financing your college education. Athletic scholarships stand out as a valuable avenue for utilizing your sporting prowess to secure funding for higher education.
While top-tier Division 1 and Division 3 colleges extend athletic scholarships to standout varsity athletes, not every student envisions themselves as future athletic stars at the college level.
However, there’s no need for concern, as numerous alternative athletic scholarship opportunities cater to students who may not pursue sports in college. Explore further to discover these options!
Athletic Scholarships For Non-Varsity Sports In College
Program For Scholar Athletes By Foot Locker
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program offers $20,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors intending to pursue an undergraduate degree, emphasizing participation in sports at various levels. The scholarship values leadership in sports, academics, and the community, rather than focusing solely on athletic prowess. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA, must submit two essays, and provide a recommendation letter. The program seeks individuals who exhibit qualities such as motivation, proactiveness, inspiration, charisma, honesty, trustworthiness, genuineness, strength, and courage.
The NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarships:
A sum of $2,000 is available for high school students in grades 9-12 through NSHSS. To be eligible, applicants should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and submit a transcript, essay, recommendation letter, and headshot. The NSHSS grants ten awards, each valued at $2,000, to students who demonstrate a fervent interest in sports. Prospective recipients are required to write an essay addressing prompts related to their passion for sports, including what draws them to their chosen sports and the challenges of balancing academic and athletic commitments. All student-athletes, regardless of gender or athletic pursuits, are encouraged to apply.
The BigSun Athletic Scholarship:
A sum of $2,000 is offered through the BigSun Organization to assist graduating high school seniors planning to attend a postsecondary institution. To be eligible, applicants need to be student-athletes and are required to submit a brief essay reflecting on the impact of athletics on their high school journey, career aspirations, and family life. All student-athletes, regardless of their sport or level of involvement, are encouraged to apply.
Scholarship offered by the Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation:
Amounting to $3,000, the Paul Bernot Foundation Scholarship is available to legal U.S. residents who have completed high school and are either enrolling or already enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and are required to submit a transcript, essay, recommendation letter, and verification of physician diagnosis.
This scholarship aims to financially support students passionate about sports and fitness who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer, and past recipients have included individuals involved in trail running, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, ultimate frisbee, and even a D1 volleyball player.
The Girls Up Sport For A Purpose Scholarship Program:
The scholarship offers a sum of $2,500 and is open to individuals aged 13 to 24 who are either currently enrolled or enrolling full-time in a college, university, or technical school. Applicants should be studying or pursuing a sports-related field and actively contributing to sports- or athletics-related events in their community. To apply, candidates need to submit three short essays. The objective of the Girl Up Sports for a Purpose Scholarship is to provide support in areas where girls and women are underrepresented, particularly in sports. Successful recipients of the award are recognized as changemakers striving to foster more inclusive and equitable environments. Selection criteria include leadership qualities, community engagement, educational goals, background, and a demonstrated commitment to global gender justice.
The USTA Martin Mulligan Sr. Spirit of Tennis Scholarship:
The USTA Martin Mulligan Sr. Spirit of Tennis Scholarship, valued at $15,000 over four years, is available to high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university. To be eligible, applicants must have participated in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) programs, demonstrated financial need, and maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application requirements include two letters of recommendation, a Student Aid Report (SAR), and a recent photo. This scholarship, offered by the USTA Foundation, recognizes academic excellence, good character, community leadership, and sportsmanship among recipients, supporting them in covering tuition, room and board, and educational materials throughout their college journey.
Scholarship By PGA WORKS John & Tamara Lundgren:
The PGA WORKS John & Tamara Lundgren Scholars Program offers a scholarship of $8,000 for high school seniors, graduates, and undergraduates intending to pursue a PGA Golf Management degree from one of the 17 accredited universities. To apply, candidates need to submit a transcript, a personal statement, a recommendation letter, and either three scorecards from recent golf rounds or a golf verification form. The scholarship aims to support students seeking PGA of America Membership, with a focus on increasing diversity and representation. Preference is given to women and individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Recipients are chosen based on academic performance, community service, work experience, and involvement in the sport of golf.
Scholarship By SARA:
The Sara Scholarship offers $2,000 to graduating high school senior females who plan to enroll in an accredited college or university and have demonstrated financial need. Applicants should have a minimum 3.3 GPA and submit a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and Student Aid Report (SAR). While a strong golf game is not a prerequisite, recipients are selected based on academic achievement, character, and financial need, with a total of at least twelve $2,000 scholarships to be awarded.
The NSCAF High School Scholarship:
The NSCAF High School Scholarship, valued at $2,000, is available to graduating high school seniors who are members of the National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation. It is intended for those intending to enroll in college and major in a conditioning-related field, such as anatomy, exercise science, or sports and fitness administration. To qualify, applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a transcript along with three letters of recommendation. Recipients are selected based on their educational and career goals, as well as their demonstrated commitment to community service.
The Absolute Fencing Gear Scholarship:
Absolute Fencing Gear provides applicants to its All-Academic Team with four scholarships—each of two $4,000 awards is given to one male and one female applicant
To be eligible for the All-Academic First Team, students need to have a GPA of at least 3.85.
To qualify for the All-Academic Second Team, students must possess a GPA between 3.4 and 3.84
The NGF Men’s Foundation Academic Scholarship:
The NGF Men’s Foundation Academic Scholarship, with a variable amount, is offered to active USAG Men’s Program competitive athletes who plan to pursue college or postsecondary education while continuing their gymnastics training and competition. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum C average, and the application requirements include a transcript and three letters of recommendation. Established by the National Gymnastics Foundation (NGF), this scholarship, initiated in 1999, aims to enhance participation and excellence in gymnastics, having awarded nearly one million dollars in scholarships to over 200 athletes. Recipients are selected based on various criteria, such as past performances, current competition level, competitive goals, and academic achievements.
THE USEF Scholarship:
The U.S. Equestrian Foundation Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship, valued at $1,000, is available to graduating high school seniors intending to enroll in college. To be eligible, applicants must be members of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and actively engaged in equestrian-related activities. The application process involves submitting an essay and a letter of recommendation. This scholarship aims to support five deserving individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to equestrian pursuits, whether through academic programs, team or club participation, internships, jobs, or volunteer work related to horses. The required essay should address the impact of their equestrian involvement on personal development, the skills acquired, the significance of the scholarship, and their future career plans.
The U.S. Bowling Congress (USBC) Dextex:
The U.S. Bowling Congress (USBC) Dexter High School All-American Team offers a $1,000 scholarship annually to ten students (five males and five females) in grades 9-12 who are USBC members participating in recognized interscholastic high school teams with a varsity or club classification. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, a resume detailing their bowling achievements, and a photo.
The selection of All-Americans is based on various criteria, including academic excellence, recommendations, involvement in extracurricular activities, and community engagement. Among the ten recipients, one is designated as the team captain and receives the Bud Clapsaddle Team Captain Award along with an additional $500.
The CMP Scholarships:
The CMP Scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are available for graduating high school seniors accepted into a university, college, or trade school leading to a diploma or trade certification. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens with demonstrated marksmanship competition experience. The application requirements include a transcript, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and proof of marksmanship activity. Notably, there are four $5,000 scholarships that can be renewed for four years, resulting in a total potential award of $20,000 for recipients who excel in marksmanship.
Conclusion:
Scholarships cover a wide range of areas, including athletics, art, and even being a twin. Aligning your interests with the specific focus of the scholarships you pursue enhances the resonance of your passion and improves your likelihood of securing an award.
