If you’re a student-athlete hoping to secure funding for your education, this summer could be your golden opportunity. Many sports-focused scholarships are opening applications between May and August 2025, offering financial support to talented individuals who can balance academic work and athletic commitment.
These scholarships don’t just reward talent on the field or court—they also recognize discipline, leadership, and academic potential. Whether you’re in high school, just graduated, or transferring to a new college, now is the time to prepare.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Apply
Summer is a popular period for scholarship programs to open because students are transitioning between academic years. For athletes, it’s also a time when performances from the past season are still fresh in the minds of coaches and mentors who can write strong recommendations.
Additionally, applying early gives you a head start before deadlines pile up during the school year.
What Do These Scholarships Cover?
Most athletic scholarships offer partial to full tuition coverage. Some also include:
- Stipends for books and supplies
- Travel allowances for competitions
- Housing and meals
- Access to fitness facilities and health support
Tips Before You Apply
To improve your chances of winning, keep these things in mind:
- Prepare a solid athletic résumé
- Keep your academic records strong (many programs have GPA requirements)
- Record highlight videos or compile competition results
- Get letters of recommendation from coaches and teachers
- Research each scholarship carefully to meet all criteria
Top Scholarships for Student-Athletes Opening This Summer
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program
Open to graduating high school seniors involved in sports and community service. Applications open in June. Winners receive $20,000 scholarships.
NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships
For college athletes planning to attend graduate school. Available for all NCAA sports and opens around July. Awards are worth $10,000 each.
Women’s Sports Foundation Athlete Scholarships
Supports female athletes pursuing both education and competitive sports. Applications open in early summer with various awards.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Scholarships
Perfect for student-athletes interested in exercise science, coaching, or sports medicine. Opens in June, with awards of up to $2,000.
PepsiCo S.M.I.L.E Scholarship for Student-Athletes
For underrepresented minority students who are involved in athletics. Applications typically open in July. Offers $5,000 or more.
The Ron Brown Athlete Scholar Program
Open to high-performing Black student-athletes. This scholarship recognizes both academic excellence and leadership. Applications reopen in August.
Smaller but Still Valuable Scholarships
Not every scholarship has a large prize, but smaller awards can add up:
- Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest
- BigSun Athletics Scholarship
- Sports Unlimited Scholarship
All of these are open to student-athletes and require an essay or video submission. They’re ideal if you’re looking for low-barrier opportunities.
What If You’re a Transfer Student?
Good news—many of these programs also accept students transferring to another college. If you’re switching schools and continuing your sport, be sure to ask your new coach about available athletic grants or department-sponsored funds.
Don’t Miss the Deadlines
Mark your calendar with reminders. Most deadlines fall between late July and early September, and many are strict with cutoffs.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships for student-athletes don’t just reward your performance—they support your future. Use this summer to gather materials, reach out to references, and apply early. You’ve worked hard to shine both academically and athletically—let that dedication open new doors for you.