Scholarships Available for Cheerleading: How Do I Get One?

I'm a high school junior who has been part of the cheer team for a few years now, and I'm thinking about continuing in college. I heard it's possible to get scholarships for cheerleading, but I'm not sure where to start. Does anyone know how competitive these scholarships are or which schools offer them? I'd really appreciate any tips on how to make myself a strong candidate for these scholarships and any experiences people might have had with cheer scholarships in general. Thanks!

Sure, I'd be happy to provide some guidance for pursuing cheerleading scholarships for college.

Cheerleading scholarships can be competitive, as many talented athletes across the nation are also vying for these opportunities. But don't let that discourage you. Scholarships come from different sources such as colleges, cheer associations, and corporations. Many universities offer cheer scholarships to attract talented individuals to their cheer teams. Some well-known examples include the University of Hawaii, University of Oregon, and the University of Kentucky.

Most cheer scholarships look at a variety of factors, one of which is your athleticism and cheerleading ability. Make sure your routines show both your athletic prowess and team spirit. Leadership experiences, such as being a cheer captain or a coach, would be advantageous too, and make you stand out as a strong candidate.

Academics also matter. Many scholarships require maintaining a certain GPA. Therefore, combining your cheer skills with strong academic performance can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

Another type of cheer scholarship you may want to look into are those given out by cheer organizations, such as the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) and NCA (National Cheerleaders Association). These scholarships are awarded based on cheerleading skills, academics, and leadership.

Lastly, don't forget to update your portfolio and resume. Your portfolio should include videos of your performance, showcasing your skills, and spirit. Your resume should highlight your cheerleading experience, leadership roles, and academic achievements.

Start researching and applying early! Some deadlines for applications might be earlier than you think. And make sure to send in an application that's free from errors, and thoughtfully completed.

Hope these tips help you secure a cheerleading scholarship. Keep up the good work and stay motivated! Good luck!