Advice on cheerleading grants for college applications?

I'm a high school junior really into cheerleading, and I'm hoping to continue it in college. I've heard there might be grants or scholarships specifically for cheerleaders, but I'm unsure where to start looking.

Has anyone had experience with applying for these types of grants? What's the best way to find them, and do you usually need to be on a college cheer team to qualify? Also, any advice on what judges are typically looking for or how to prepare my application to stand out would really help. Thanks for the guidance!

As a cheerleader, you may be interested to know that there are indeed scholarships and grants available specifically for cheerleaders. You can look for these opportunities via online scholarship search platforms or contacting college athletic departments directly. For example, the NCAA offers a list of scholarships for college-bound student-athletes, and various colleges/universities may also provide cheerleading scholarships for students who participate in the squad.

The criteria for these scholarships and grants can vary greatly, but in general, you would need to show that you've excelled in cheerleading, either as a cheerleader in high school or at a competitive level. Judges are often looking at your skills, leadership, character, academic achievement, and community service. They're interested in those who can balance cheerleading with academics and show a high level of dedication and discipline.

Prepare your application by creating a compelling resume or portfolio that showcases not only your cheerleading achievements, but also your character and extracurricular activities. You might want to include any leadership roles you've held on your squad, awards you've won, and service you've done in your community. A letter of recommendation from your cheer coach could also be beneficial as it can attest to your skills, dedication, and character in a team setting.

Another factor that could come into play is your intended major - some scholarships require or prefer students studying certain subjects, so look into the specifics of each opportunity you consider. Be sure to start your search early to ensure you have time to submit all necessary materials before the deadline.

Remember to approach your school counselor for guidance throughout the process, as they can offer valuable insight and further resources for scholarship applications.