Preparing for college is no easy task. From tests, to school selection, to housing, to location, to accessibility, to selecting majors, to books, to the big kahuna—finances, the entire college ordeal can be pretty overwhelming.
[Related: Golf and Tennis Challenge: Cultivate Your Wellness]
So much of the college burden is lessened by having your finances in order, but this can be a huge task. Here’s a tip: search for niche scholarships. Find scholarships that are designed precisely for you and your interests, then apply, apply, apply. As a minority, you may have to sift through to find exactly what you’re looking for.
BlackEnterprise.com sees fit to make this search a little easier for you–specifically those of you interested in the world of tennis and golf. The tennis and golf industries have both been slowly diversifying, and you can help it to continue to do so. Below, you will find scholarships that may help ease financial tensions as you prepare for your college venture.
Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship. This scholarship is for minority female high school seniors who will be pursuing a college and university degree in the United States, and will be playing collegiate golf. Applicants must have a high school GPA of 3.00, and must demonstrate financial need. Here’s what you need to apply: the application form, high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, an autobiographical essay, and a Student Aid Report (as well as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Recognized minority groups for this scholarship are: U.S. citizens or legal residents, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Pasific Islanders, or people of Hispanic descent. One scholarship of $1,250 is available.
The Scotts Company Scholars Program. This scholarship is for college freshmen, sophomores, juniors or high school seniors planning to enter the golf course industry. Minorities from different ethnic backgrounds and women are especially encouraged to apply. 5 finalists are selected, who get $500 each. 2 winners get $2,500.
National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association/Bill Dickey Scholarship Association. This generous scholarship furthers the organization’s commitment to increasing minority representation in the sport of golf; especially in college. Various funding opportunities range from one-time $1000 scholarships, to $3500 awards that are good for four years. Candidates are evaluated based on academic history, test scores, financial need, personal references, community service participation, and golfing ability.
Richard Bradley Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in September 2014 in memory of Richard Bradley, and to reward youth players with funding to advance their educational and tennis interests. A $2,500 scholarship is presented to one African American junior tennis player from the USTA/Midwest Section. The scholarship is designed to provide assistance to those who have demonstrated financial need and have shown ability, aptitude, and promise as students and as tennis players.
Students who plan to attend an accredited college or university, who are current members of the USTA, and residents in the USTA/Midwest Section are urged to apply for the award.
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