Often when people think of sports scholarships, they may think those awards are only available to the star quarterback or the top home run hitter.
They may also think sports scholarships only come from college recruiters, looking to entice star athletes to a school’s team. What they may not realize is there are scholarships available for all kinds of sports, for a wide variety of fans and athletes, and that students can win regardless of the schools they decide to attend.
For example, if the court or field isn’t for you and you’d rather spend your time in the ocean, surfers living on the East Coast can apply to the Buddy Pelletier Surfing Foundation Scholarship. Open to all members of the East Coast surfing community who wish to further their education, three $1,000 scholarships will be offered each year and the funds are sent to the school of the winner’s choice. To apply, students will need to write an essay about how their education will benefit the surfing community. Students who have received this scholarship have a 100 percent graduation rate.
Check out [more scholarships for student-athletes.]
There are also specific scholarships for athletes of certain backgrounds, identities and religious affiliations. The Playing With Purpose Scholarship from SportQuest offers Christian student-athletes scholarships and entry into their program, which helps student-athletes promote their skills and get recruited. Each year, $14,000 in scholarships is awarded, with four national winners receiving a $2 ,000 scholarship and 20 other winners receiving a $300 or $75 award.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer athletes similarly have a scholarship just for them. The Gene and John Athletic Fund Scholarship provided by the Stonewall Community Foundation was founded in 2002, and offers both $2,500 and $5,000 scholarships to LGBTQ athletes looking to continue their education and students actively pursuing a sports career, according to the organization. Interested students will share information on their involvement in the LGBTQ community and future goals both in education and athletics through essay questions.
Explore the ins and outs [of getting an athletic scholarship at Division I schools.]
If you’re a woman residing in the U.S. who may not be an athlete but who is interested in marketing, media, journalism, public relations or communications within the sports industry, the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation: Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship is a must-apply scholarship. Each year, the foundation provides four $1,000 scholarships to encourage and support women interested in the field, in which they are underrepresented.
To be eligible, those applying should be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents with demonstrated financial need and enrolled at a four-year accredited institution full time.
Another great resource for athletes and sports fans is to check with your school. Some high schools or school districts offer scholarships for which all athletes — regardless of chosen sport — are eligible. Ask coaches and guidance counselors if your particular school offers scholarships for your sport or if your high school has a scholarship for athletes. Are you a coach, the writer of the sports column for your school paper or even a school mascot? You may also be able to receive scholarships from your high school or chosen college.
Read [four tips before you pursue athletic scholarships.]
On the other hand, specific organizations or clubs in your area might offer scholarships as well. For example, the Alabama Horse Council offers two $1,000 scholarships to students who are members or are the children of members, plan to enter a field of study that prepares them for a career in the equine industry and have a demonstrated interest in the equine field. This is a great scholarship for residents of the state who are enthusiasts of the sport of horseback riding, and finding similar programs for your interests and in your city or state can also offer new scholarship opportunities.
Whether you participate in a less common sport or if you’re just a fan, these scholarships offer opportunities that may not be as widely known — which can be a huge advantage. If you are eligible for scholarships like these, the applicant pool will often be much smaller than those open to all athletes and students, making your chances of winning that much higher. Do your research and apply.
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Offbeat Sports Scholarships Offer College Cash originally appeared on usnews.com
