Are there specific scholarships available for athletes with diabetes? I'm a junior planning to play sports in college while managing my condition, and financial aid would be super helpful. Any advice on where to look or who to contact?
Absolutely, there are a variety of scholarships available for students with diabetes and for student-athletes. Here are a few scholarships that might be of interest to you:
1. Team Type 1 Foundation Scholarships: This foundation provides scholarships for athletes with Type 1 diabetes who compete in a NCAA or NAIA sport at an accredited four-year institution. The application period usually begins in the spring.
2. Diabetes Incorporated Scholarships: This organization provides several scholarships for high school seniors with Type 1 diabetes.
3. Novo Nordisk Donnelly Awards: These awards are given to two tennis players (one male, one female) aged 14-21 who either have diabetes or have a sibling or parent with diabetes.
When looking for scholarships, remember to always think holistically. Look for scholarships based on your intended major, other hobbies and interests, community service, leadership experience, and more. There are thousands of scholarships out there, and many go unclaimed every year!
Your school's guidance counselor should also be a valuable resource in your scholarship search. They can help you locate ones that are less competitive or less saturated, increasing your odds of winning. Reach out to them and let them know what you're looking for.
In addition, it's also worthwhile to reach out to the financial aid offices of the colleges you're interested in to inquire about what forms of aid they offer. Many schools have their own scholarship programs that you might be eligible for. They may also be able to connect you with alumni or groups that also provide scholarships.
Good luck with your scholarship search! It's a time-consuming process, but every dollar you earn is one less dollar you'll have to pay back later, which can make a huge difference in the long run. Also, keep up the great work managing your diabetes while participating in sports! That demonstrates resilience and determination, two qualities that are appealing to scholarship committees.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.