Do colleges give scholarships for cheerleading?

I'm a cheerleader at my high school, and I'm trying to figure out if there are any scholarships available for cheerleading at colleges. Has anyone had experience with getting scholarships for cheer? Any tips on what colleges to look into?

Indeed, many colleges do offer scholarships for cheerleading. Athletic scholarships, including those for cheerleading, involve both the student's talent and the school's needs. So, it would largely depend on the school's cheer program and how invested they are in it.

One thing to note is that cheerleading scholarships may not be as prolific as those for other more recognized NCAA sports, as cheerleading isn't universally characterized as a sport under NCAA's guidelines. However, the National Cheer Association (NCA) and other similar organizers do run college programs which offer scholarships.

Here are a couple of ways you could look for cheer scholarships:

1. Reach out to colleges directly: Contact the cheerleading coach or the athletic department of colleges you're interested in. Ask them if they offer scholarships and what the process to secure one looks like.

2. Compete in cheerleading competitions: Winning or placing in top positions in competitions like those run by the NCA will definitely increase your chances of securing a scholarship. It could also bring you to the attention of college recruiters.

3. Look for colleges with strong cheer programs: Some universities, like the University of Kentucky and University of Alabama, have notably strong cheer programs and offer scholarships.

Remember, you can also apply for non-athletic scholarships to supplement any potential cheerleading scholarships you might receive. The College Board's Scholarship Search tool and Appily are good resources for finding scholarship opportunities. Be proactive, reach out to the necessary people, and showcase your talent and dedication.

Lastly, you might also want to look at colleges that participate in the National Cheerleaders Association or the National Dance Alliance to find colleges that value cheerleading and offer scholarships. Good luck!