Male Cheerleading Scholarships for College

I'm a high school junior and cheerleader, and I'm curious if there are any scholarships available specifically for male cheerleaders at college level. Would love to know more about the application process and requirements!

Absolutely, there are indeed scholarships available specifically for cheerleading at the college level, including for male cheerleaders. These cheerleading scholarships can be offered through the colleges themselves, or through external organizations.

Many colleges award cheerleading scholarships based on talent, regardless of gender. Typically, these scholarships are tied to a student's agreement to participate in the school's cheer squad or athletic department. Some colleges with strong athletic programs, such as University of Kentucky, Oklahoma State University, or University of Alabama, are known to offer impressive cheerleading scholarships.

The application process typically involves a tryout in front of the cheerleading coach or a panel. Tryouts usually consist of performing a choreographed routine showcasing your skills, along with an interview to get a sense of your team spirit and leadership potential. Exact requirements, of course, will vary from college to college.

Apart from the colleges, external organizations and foundations also offer cheerleading scholarships. One example is the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), which offers the NCA College Scholarship. To qualify for this, you must be a senior in high school and have attended an NCA Summer Camp.

Lastly, remember to also look for scholarships that are not specifically for cheerleading, but can still be applied to cheerleaders depending on their academic performance, leadership qualities, or community service. For instance, if you've spent time teaching younger students cheer skills, you could apply for community service scholarships.

Start your research early, apply on time, and make sure to highlight your cheerleading experiences, leadership qualities, and how these tie into your college and career goals. Good luck!