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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Dwight Mosley Scholarship Award
This scholarship was named in memory of Dwight A. Mosley, the first African American elected to the United States Tennis Association Board of Directors. The Dwight Mosley Scholarship is available to USTA-ranked high school seniors of ethnically diverse heritage who have excelled academically and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program. Applicants must demonstrate sportsmanship on and off the court. A $10,000 scholarship will be awarded over four years to one male and one female student of diverse ethnic backgrounds who are entering a four-year college or university program.
The recipients of the Dwight Mosley Scholarship are eligible to receive $2,500 per year for a total of up to $10,000 to cover costs of tuition, room and board, and educational materials. The scholarship will be paid directly to the college or university in which the student is enrolled and is disbursed annually based on the recipient’s standing with his/her college.
Keep in mind that, in addition to publicly advertised scholarships, there may be an abundance of private ones out there too. You just have to find them. Looking for an easy way to do so? Build your network. Find ways to strategically place yourself in the path of opportunity. Attend events such as the Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge this Labor Day weekend, September 3 thru 6 at the PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Express your interest and make valuable connections; you never know what may come of it.
For registration, information, and updates on the BE Golf &Tennis Challenge, September 3-6th, at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida visit event. When registering for BEGT, use discount code LABORDAY for a special discounted rate. For social media updates, follow hashtag #BEGT.