Despite the fact that the high-profile sport is wrongfully given the reputation for being less athletic than other sports like basketball or football, there are still scholarships for cheerleaders offered by some of the most fiercely competitive cheerleading programs in the nation.
Although there is considerably less funding available since cheerleading is not officially sanctioned through the NCAA, cheerleaders with the most talent can find scholarships if they look hard enough and are committed to pursuing the sport at the collegiate level.
In order to receive financial support in the classroom while participating in cheerleading competitions and winning championships, read on to learn more about 25 of the best scholarships available specifically for cheer squad members.
1. Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 10th
Sponsored through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, the Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship Fund presents awards for $1,000 that can be renewed for a maximum of four years of undergraduate study to female graduating high school seniors from Ogle County who have participated in a girls track or cheerleading program. Eligible candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and have competed for at least three seasons, including senior year.
Contact
Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship Fund
946 North Second St.
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 962-2110
lschweitzer@cfnil.org
2. Bill and Virginia Zorn Cheerleading Squad Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Named in honor of the athletic director and prominent campus figure at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire for more than four decades in the 20th century, the Bill and Virginia Zorn Cheerleading Squad Scholarship is designed to provide $750 annually to high school seniors who have participated in their cheerleading or pompon squad. Selection will be based on academic achievement, outstanding athletic leadership, financial need, and service.
Contact
Bill and Virginia Zorn Cheerleading Squad Scholarship
105 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54702
(715) 836-3840
stowrc@uwec.edu
3. Booster Alumni Endowed Spirit Scholarship
Deadline: June 6th
At Hofstra University, the Booster Alumni Endowed Spirit Scholarship is granted annually to sophomore, junior, and senior-level undergraduate students who have demonstrated school spirit by participating in the cheerleading squad, kickline/dance team, or pep band for at least one full academic year. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher, submit two letters of recommendation, and express enthusiasm in the student spirit groups.
Contact
Booster Alumni Endowed Spirit Scholarship
206 Memorial Hall
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6636
studentfinancialservices@hofstra.edu
Scholarship Link
4. C.M. Fuzz and Fontanella Austin Burdette Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
With the goal of providing financial assistance to enrolled students participating in designated extracurricular activities at Clemson University, the C.M. Fuzz and Fontanella Austin Burdette Memorial Scholarship is designed to offer $1,000 to college sophomores and juniors on the cheerleading team with the highest grade point average. Regardless of major, students must have completed at least one full-time semester at Clemson and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Contact
C.M. Fuzz and Fontanella Austin Burdette Memorial Scholarship
109 University Drive
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-3311
finaid@clemson.edu
5. Cheer Classic Team of Excellence Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Administered through the Arkansas Cheer Coaches Association each year, the Cheer Classic Team of Excellence Scholarship provides $1,000 to graduating high school seniors who have participated on their school’s cheerleading squad and have demonstrated outstanding abilities in promoting school spirit in the community. Applicants must submit a two-page essay on how cheerleading has influenced his or her life and three letters of recommendation.
Contact
Cheer Classic Team of Excellence Scholarship
P.O. Box 1654
Heber Springs, AR 72543
(501) 470-2111
jpipkins@mayflowerschools.org
6. Christian Cheerleaders of America Scholarships
Deadline: January 31st
Available for cheerleaders nationwide with up to $1 million dollars in scholarship funding up for grabs each year, the Christian Cheerleaders of America offers up to 50 scholarships at its annual high school cheerleading competition to outstanding cheerleaders who participate in the solo or pair cheerleading events. Eligible candidates must be hard-working, demonstrate a commitment to cheerleading post-graduation, and be enrolled in a Christian college of the U.S.
Contact
Christian Cheerleaders of America Scholarships
2931 Pioneer Trail Suite B
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(877) 243-3722
info@cheercca.com
7. Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan Scholarships
Deadline: December 13th
Ranging in value from $500 to $3,000, the Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan (CCCAM) gives away around $47,000 in scholarships each season to graduating high school cheerleading athletes who are members of a current MHSAA Competitive Cheer team. Qualified applicants must have a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher through their junior year, submit two letters of recommendation, and write a brief autobiographical essay.
Contact
Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan Scholarships
1661 Ramblewood Drive
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 332-5046
kafelty@yahoo.com
8. Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program
Deadline: March 15th
Annually, the Davis Law Group hosts the Scholar Athlete Program to provide two graduating high school senior student-athletes in the greater Seattle metropolitan area with a $1,000 scholarship for excelling as a main contributor to any sport, including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, golf, volleyball, hockey, and cheerleading. Candidates should be currently enrolled in any state high school of Washington and show exceptional classroom performance with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.
Contact
Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program
2101 Fourth Avenue Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727-4000
scholarship@dlglawfirm.com
Scholarship Link
9. Gatortown Gators Athletic Cheerleading Scholarships
Deadline: February 1st
Whether on the Blue Squad to cheer for football, basketball, and gymnastics or the Orange Squad to cheer for volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics, full-time cheerleaders at the University of Florida are eligible for receiving Gatertown Gators Athletic Cheerleading Scholarships at the end of the semester. Cheer squad members must attend practice at least two or three times weekly while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Contact
Gatortown Gators Athletic Cheerleading Scholarships
121 Gale Lemerand Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 375-4683
gatorspirit@ufl.edu
10. Iowa Cheerleading Coaches’ Association Scholarships
Deadline: January 15th
For high school senior and current college cheerleaders who display outstanding academic achievement in the classroom, the Iowa Cheerleading Coaches’ Association offers multiple $500 scholarships annually. Applicants must be in the current graduation year, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, submit a one-page essay on cheerleading accomplishments, attach a one-page recommendation from a cheer coach, and display leadership qualities.
Contact
Iowa Cheerleading Coaches’ Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 148
Van Meter, IA 50261
(515) 996-9926
iccajo@hotmail.com
11. Jean Irwin Smith Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
At Lander University, the Jean Irwin Smith Endowed Scholarship is presented annually for $2,000 to an extraordinary female full-time undergraduate student who is actively involved in on-campus sports. For consideration, female applicants in good standing with junior or senior-level standing must be either majoring in physical education, be a member of the cheerleading spirit squad program, or be participating as a member of any other intercollegiate sports team.
Contact
Jean Irwin Smith Endowed Scholarship
320 Stanley Avenue
Greenwood, SC 29649
(864) 388-8340
katkins@lander.edu
12. Jodi Peplinski Educational Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 2nd
Through the Bay Area Community Foundation (BAF), the Jodi Peplinski Educational Scholarship Fund has been established to remember an energetic 20-year-old young woman who positively touched the lives of many others and promoted a vivacious life outlook even during her battle with cancer. Eligible candidates must be residents of Bay County in Michigan, be graduating high school seniors, and have participated in a cheerleading or dance squad.
Contact
Jodi Peplinski Educational Scholarship Fund
1000 Adams Street Suite 200
Bay City, MI 48708
(989) 893-4438
ecurtis@bayfoundation.org
13. Jordan Abdo/Michael Bluett Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Sponsored by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation with the goal of providing financial support for attending any state university, community college, or vocational/technical school, the Jordan Abdo/Michael Bluett Memorial Scholarship will grant $1,000 annually to male or female student athletes, including cheerleaders. Eligible candidates must be graduating from North Fort Myers High School, participate in a competitive team sport, and have a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Jordan Abdo/Michael Bluett Memorial Scholarship
8771 College Parkway Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33919
(239) 274-5900
scholarships@floridacommunity.com
14. Meagan Lee Danielson Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 2nd
In honor of a bright young woman who participated in the varsity competition cheerleading squad all four years of her college career before losing her life in an automobile accident, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) has established the Meagan Lee Danielson Memorial Scholarship for $1,500. Candidates must be graduating high school seniors, be members of a competition cheerleading squad, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and display a positive attitude that inspires others.
Contact
Meagan Lee Danielson Memorial Scholarship
418 Spring Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 661-3390
jdiethrick@crcfonline.org
15. Morgan Peppers Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
At the University of Texas, the Texas Exes Alumni Association awards the Morgan Peppers Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship each year for up to $1,500 to an outstanding member of the cheerleading or pom squad who is of African American descent. In order to qualify for the increased funding, students must demonstrate leadership abilities, display great moral character, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, and exhibit a spirit of service.
Contact
Morgan Peppers Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship
P.O. Box 8058
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-8833
texasexesscholarships@alumni.utexas.edu
16. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph McCracken Jr. Cheerleading Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
Available for members of both the Blue Squad and the White Squad at the University of Kentucky, the Mr. and Mrs. Ralph McCracken Jr. Cheerleading Scholarship has been endowed to provide up to $2,500 to male and female cheerleaders with the highest grade point average. Eligible recipients should have a proven track record of academic excellence, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show extraordinary skills in the required partner stunts.
Contact
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph McCracken Jr. Cheerleading Scholarship
338 Lexington Avenue
Lexington, KY 40506
(859) 257-9263
ukpom@lsv.uky.edu
17. North Park Viking Cheer Team Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
As a co-ed athletic cheer performance program that welcomes athletes at all skills levels from beginner through expert, the Viking Cheer Team at North Park University offers three $1,000 scholarships for students who maintain full-time enrollment, meet academic standards, attend all cheer practices, and perform with the team throughout the entire academic year. Applicants must submit a video audition from two to four minutes in length showcasing their strengths and gymnastic talents with original choreography.
Contact
North Park Viking Cheer Team Scholarships
3225 West Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-5500
vwalley214@gmail.com
18. Oklahoma Panhandle State Cheerleading Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
For in-state students who have resided in Oklahoma for a minimum of three years, the Oklahoma Panhandle State University offers numerous Cheerleading Scholarships for a grand total of $10,500 to outstanding student athletes on the cheerleading squad. In order to remain eligible for the funding for up to four years, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, be enrolled full-time in 12 credits per semester, and retain active participation.
Contact
Oklahoma Panhandle State Cheerleading Scholarships
323 Eagle Blvd.
Goodwell, OK 73939
(580) 349-2611
cassidy.christian@hotmail.com
19. Scott Rodriguez Pride Scholarships
Deadline: January 15th
Funded through the Pride Foundation, the Scott Rodriguez Pride Scholarships are awarded annually for $1,000 apiece to deserving undergraduate students who identify themselves as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, or queer (LGBTQ) in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Eligible candidates must have a background in participatory athletics, demonstrate financial need, and express leadership potential in being a role model for others.
Related: 25 Great College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students
Contact
Scott Rodriguez Pride Scholarships
2014 East Madison Street Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-3318
craig@pridefoundation.org
20. Shirley A. Wedge National Cheer and Dance Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
Since its inception in 1988, the Shirley A. Wedge National Cheer and Dance Scholarship Fund has provided $1,000 awards annually to first place winners at the COA Ultimate National Championship Competition, which is hosted every Easter in Orlando. Eligible junior and senior-level high school students must be competing in the Crowdleader Male or Female Varsity, Cheer Individual Male or Female Varsity, or Dance Soloist Male or Female Varsity and receive a qualifying score in order to advance into the National Championship round.
Contact
Shirley A. Wedge National Cheer and Dance Scholarship
3131 Appling Road
Bartlett, TN 38133
(614) 921-2070
bseely@usacheer.net
21. South Dakota Cheer Coaches Association Scholarships
Deadline: April 26th
In recognition of cheer athletes’ scholastic achievements and excellence in the sport of cheerleading, the South Dakota Cheer Coaches Association presents two annual scholarships for $500 to graduating high school seniors who will be participating in collegiate cheerleading competition in the upcoming fall. Qualified applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, reside within South Dakota, and submit three one-page recommendation letters.
Contact
South Dakota Cheer Coaches Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 156
Corsica, SD 57328
(605) 201-7936
brittney.eide@k12.sd.us
Scholarship Link
22. Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 31st
Through the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), the Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Program distributes annual awards for $1,000 to $2,000 to junior and senior-level high school athletes residing anywhere in the United States who are currently playing for a high school team, including cheerleading. Recipients will be chosen based on their essay submissions discussing how they meet high standards of personal mastery, honoring the game, and leadership in becoming a triple-impact competitior.
Contact
Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Program
525 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 999-6801
sonja@positivecoach.org
23. U.S. All Star Federation Cheerleading/Dance Scholarships
Deadline: January 15th
Annually, the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) awards Cheerleading/Dance Scholarships for up to $3,000 to recognize the outstanding talents of graduating high school student athletes who have participated on their school’s cheerleading or dance teams. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, be planning to attend an accredited university full-time, compose a 300-word essay, attach unofficial high school transcripts, and submit a 90-second performance video.
Contact
U.S. All Star Federation Cheerleading/Dance Scholarships
6745 Lenox Center Court Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38115
(800) 829-6237
lsinger@usasf.net
24. Vicki Elaine Phillips Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Established by Mr. Dene Philips in honor of his late daughter who was a student at the University of South Carolina at Aiken and a member of the cheerleading squad, the Vicki Elaine Phillips Memorial Scholarship is granted annually to cover the full costs of undergraduate tuition for an outstanding cheerleader. Eligible candidates must be accepted for full-time enrollment, be joining the on-campus cheerleading squad, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.
Contact
Vicki Elaine Phillips Memorial Scholarship
471 University Parkway
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 641-3448
deidrem@usca.edu
25. Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
In celebration of its 20th year in providing financial support to cheerleading athletes, the Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches will be awarding 20 scholarships for $1,000 each to graduating high school seniors who are currently involved in their school’s cheer or dance squads. Applicants must show academic achievement with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, be involved in extra-curricular activities, and submit a 500-word personal essay.
Contact
Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches Scholarships
P.O. Box 2215
Appleton, WI 54912
juliekerkman@gmail.com
Scholarship Link
As a sport that incorporates the physical strength of football with the flexibility of gymnastics and the grace of dance, cheerleading is a demanding sport that fosters the development of strong skills that will be beneficial throughout life. Since cheerleaders are given the hefty task of inciting enthusiasm among large crowds for promoting school spirit, it makes sense that universities and cheer organizations will provide financial support in exchange for this commitment. If you are a member of a cheerleading, dance team, or pom squad, be sure to check out these 25 great scholarships for cheerleaders to supplement your financial aid and cover rising tuition expenses.
