25 Great Scholarships for Health and Physical Education Majors

health-physical-educationDid you know that there are numerous scholarships for health and physical education majors to encourage more aspiring teachers to focus on helping students stay physically fit? Since the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled in just one decade and children are leading more inactive lifestyles centered on technological conveniences, there is a strong demand for health and physical education teachers to encourage healthier habits.

As a health or physical education teacher, you could be placed on the forefront of a school-wide program that teaches students about diet, nutrition, and exercise to achieve optimal wellness. Whether you are interested in motivating youngsters in elementary school or young adults in secondary school, the following are 25 great scholarships for health and physical education majors that can cover the costs of making your professional dreams a reality.

1. Althea Gibson Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

Named in honor of the trailblazing athlete who became the first African American to win Wimbledon and the United States Open, the Althea Gibson Endowed Scholarship is granted annually by Florida A&M University for $1,500 to provide financial support to students who demonstrate a commitment to studying physical education. Eligible candidates must be Florida high school or community college achievers with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Contact

Althea Gibson Endowed Scholarship
1800 Wahnish Way
Tallahassee, FL 32307
(850) 599-3135
dawnette.banks@famu.edu
Scholarship Link

2. Arthur Monroe Shride Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

At Arkansas State University, the College of Education presents the Arthur Monroe Shride Memorial Scholarship each year for $2,500 to full-time incoming freshmen who are majoring in elementary education or physical education with the goal of teaching the value of nutrition and physical fitness to young children. While all qualified applicants must be Arkansas residents, preference for the renewable scholarship will be given to those residing in Randolph, Sharp, and Lawrence counties.

Contact

Arthur Monroe Shride Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 940
Jonesboro, AR 72467
(870) 972-3057
coe@astate.edu

3. Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship

Deadline: November 15th

Within the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), the Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship is awarded each year for $1,000 to master’s-level students who are currently enrolled in a health education program at an accredited U.S. institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. With the application, candidates must submit current curriculum vitae, an official transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a three-page narrative essay describing their professional goals and philosophy in health education.

Contact

Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-3400
enygard@shapeamerica.org

4. Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: November 15th

Also sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), the Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 annually to an outstanding undergraduate student pursuing a major in health education at an accredited U.S. institution. Qualified applicants must have at least sophomore-level status, be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credits each semester, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, show evidence of leadership potential, and submit an essay discussing goals as a health education specialist.

Contact

Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-3400
enygard@shapeamerica.org

5. CANFIT Physical Education Scholarships

Deadline: March 31st

Through the California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness (CANFIT) Foundation, there are annual Physical Education Scholarships available to California minority students enrolled in an approved bachelor’s or master’s level program in physical education at an accredited in-state university. Eligible candidates of African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Latino/Hispanic descent must have completed at least 15 credits of a physical education major with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.

Contact

CANFIT Physical Education Scholarships
2140 Shattuck Avenue Suite 1110
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-1533
info@canfit.org

6. C.L. “Dick” Highfill Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

Within the Department of Health and Physical Education at Northwestern Oklahoma University, the C.L. “Dick” Highfill Scholarship is granted annually for up to $1,500 to students completing a bachelor’s degree in sports science or health education who have expressed an interest in teaching or coaching to make a difference in the lives of young men and women. Applicants must reside in northwestern Oklahoma or south-central Kansas, have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrate financial need for assistance.

Contact

C.L. “Dick” Highfill Scholarship
709 Oklahoma Blvd.
Alva, OK 73717
(580) 327-8541
cemead@nwosu.edu

7. Delores M. Curtis Undergraduate Travel Scholarship

Deadline: December 15th

Administered through the Hawaii Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (HAHPERD), the Delores M. Curtis Undergraduate Travel Scholarship is offered for up to $1,250 each year to college students pursuing an accredited physical education teacher program in Hawaii. To qualify, candidates must be interested in learning new ideas for teaching by attending a professional convention, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, possess relevant teaching experience, and plan to teach physical education at the elementary level.

Contact

Delores M. Curtis Undergraduate Travel Scholarship
2720 Kamanaiki Street
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-7434
hahperd808@gmail.com
Scholarship Link

8. Dr. Sara Helen Cree Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Established at Shepherd University in memory of the former head of the Physical Education Department who shaped its academic programs, the Dr. Sara Helen Cree Scholarship is awarded each year for $1,450 to one male and one female student who have completed 57 or more semester hours of a major in health or physical education. Qualified candidates must be junior or senior-level undergraduate students, show evidence of financial need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be actively involved in departmental activities.

Contact

Dr. Sara Helen Cree Scholarship
301 North King Street
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
(304) 876-5516
hpers@shepherd.edu

9. Elma Roane Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

In honor of the former women’s athletic director at the University of Memphis, the Elma Roane Scholarship is presented annually to cover full-tuition costs for female student-athletes who have declared a major in physical education to work with young people in coaching, teaching, and/or athletic training. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled full-time, possess a minimum GPA of 3.25 or higher, be participating in women’s varsity or club sports, and submit two or more letters of recommendation.

Contact

Elma Roane Scholarship
3720 Alumni Avenue
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-2316
mvndrmrw@memphis.edu

10. Gibson-Laemel Scholarship Program

Deadline: June 15th

As part of the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CTAHPERD), the Gibson-Laemel Scholarship is available to provide $1,000 to junior and senior-level undergraduate students who have declared a major in health education, physical education, recreational studies, or dance at an accredited U.S. institution. Eligible candidates must be Connecticut residents, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or greater, and submit a 350-word personal statement discussing their career goals.

Contact

Gibson-Laemel Scholarship Program
1389 Neipsic Road
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 652-7858
skenej@glastonburyus.org

11. Howard E. Thompson Scholarship for Physical Education

Deadline: February 14th

Within the Department of Human Performance and Health Education at Western Michigan University, the Howard E. Thompson Scholarship for Physical Education is granted annually for $1,000 to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree with a major in physical education. For consideration, candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be enrolled with at least part-time status, and be preparing for a professional career teaching in public elementary or secondary schools.

Contact

Howard E. Thompson Scholarship for Physical Education
1065 Student Recreation Center
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 387-2674
yuanlong.liu@wmich.edu
Scholarship Link

12. Jane Maver and Ray Anne Shrader Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

At Purdue University, the Jane Maver and Ray Anne Shrader Scholarship is distributed through the College of Health and Human Sciences for $1,000 to full-time junior or senior-level undergraduate students who are pursuing a major in physical education. Applicants must have earned at least 45 credits at Purdue, be making satisfactory degree program, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, show financial need, and be involved in community/university service.

Contact

Jane Maver and Ray Anne Shrader Scholarship
800 West Stadium Avenue
West Lafayette, IN 47907
(765) 494-3170
hkscholarships@purdue.edu

13. Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award

Deadline: April 15th

For current members of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYSAHPERD), the Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award is granted annually for $1,000 to one male and one female student for outstanding performance in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a health or physical education program. Candidates must be within four semesters of graduation, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, be enrolled full-time in a New York State college, and participate in professionally related activities.

Contact

Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award
77 North Ann Street
Little Falls, NY 13365
(315) 823-1015
awards@nysahperd.org

14. Jean Lee and Jeff Marvin Collegiate Scholarships

Deadline: December 1st

Through the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD), there are four Jean Lee and Jeff Marvin Collegiate Scholarships delivered each year for $1,000 apiece to full-time Indiana undergraduate students in their junior or senior year who are majoring in health, physical education, recreation, dance, exercise science, or sports administration. Selection will be based on academic achievement, financial need, professional competencies, participation in collegiate activities, and recommendations.

Contact

Jean Lee and Jeff Marvin Collegiate Scholarships
2007 Wilno Drive
Marion, IN 46952
(765) 664-8319
inahperd@inahperd.org

15. Ladonna Ann Spradlin Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Within the Office of University Advancement at Cameron University, the Ladonna Ann Spradlin Endowed Scholarship has been created to provide $1,000 to full-time female sophomore, junior, or senior-level undergraduate students with financial need who have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the health and physical education program. Eligible candidates must reside within Comanche, Stephens, Tillman, Jackson, Greer, Grady, Harmon, Cotton, Caddo, Jefferson, or Kiowa counties in southwestern Oklahoma.

Contact

Ladonna Ann Spradlin Endowed Scholarship
2800 West Gore Blvd.
Lawton, OK 73505
(580) 581-2999
advancement@cameron.edu

16. Mary Benevento Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 15th

Sponsored by the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CTAHPERD), the Mary Benevento Scholarship Fund will offer $1,000 awards annually to graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the professional studies of health education, physical education, recreational studies, or dance at an accredited in-state collegiate institution. Eligible Connecticut residents must submit an official transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a 300-word statement on educational objectives.

Contact

Mary Benevento Scholarship Fund
1389 Neipsic Road
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 652-7858
skenej@glastonburyus.org
Scholarship Link

17. MAHPERD Emerging Leaders Scholarship

Deadline: April 7th

Established by the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD), the Emerging Leaders Scholarship is awarded each year for $2,000 to sophomore or junior-level undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time at a Maryland institution to pursue a teacher preparation program in dance, health, physical education, or recreation. Applicants should have a minimum major GPA of 3.0 or higher, show evidence of leadership in extra-curricular activities, and submit at least three letters of recommendation.

Contact

MAHPERD Emerging Leaders Scholarship
125 North Court Street
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 583-1370
honorsandawards@mapherd.org

18. Nancy J. Acker HPE Scholarship

Deadline: February 28th

In the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) at Edinboro University, the Nancy J. Acker Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 annually to a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student who has completed 30 or more credits in a health or physical education major with a cumulative QPA of 3.0 or greater. Recipients will be chosen based on responsible citizenship, effective leadership, academic achievement, extra-curricular involvement, athletic talents, and participation in community service activities.

Contact

Nancy J. Acker HPE Scholarship
219 Meadville Street
Edinboro, PA 16444
(814) 732-1443
lmmiller@edinboro.edu

19. Paul B. and Marie Davidson Scholarship

Deadline: January 17th

At Montana State University, the Paul B. and Marie Davidson Scholarship is awarded annually by the Department of Health and Human Development (HHD) for sophomore, junior, and senior-level undergraduate students who are pursuing a major in food and nutrition, family science, chemistry, family and consumer science, health education, or early childhood education. Candidates should be enrolled full-time, show good moral character, demonstrate financial need, and possess an average or better scholastic record.

Contact

Paul B. and Marie Davidson Scholarship
P.O. Box 172940
Bozeman, MT 59717
(406) 994-4133
ehhdscholarships@montana.edu

20. Robert Hampton Scholarship Award

Deadline: May 3rd

Ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,000 annually, the Robert Hampton Scholarship Award has been established by the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (SCAHPERD) to offer financial support to students enrolled full-time in a relevant major leading to a bachelor’s degree in health education, physical education, dance, or recreational studies. Applicants must be attending a South Carolina university, have completed at least 75 credits with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have financial need, serve as a positive role model for peers, and show evidence of professional commitment.

Contact

Robert Hampton Scholarship Award
1301 Columbia College Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 786-3384
scahperd@columbiasc.edu

21. Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship

Deadline: October 15th

Each year, the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) offers the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship to provide $1,250 to undergraduate students and $1,750 to graduate students who are majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation, or dance. Eligible candidates must be at least college juniors, be enrolled full-time in any accredited U.S. four-year institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, submit three letters of recommendation, and show evidence of leadership in professional activities.

Contact

Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(800) 213-7193
phartle@shapeamerica.org
Scholarship Link

22. Tillie & Janzte Huismann Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

At the University of Northern Iowa, the College of Education has created the Tillie & Janzte Husimann Scholarship to offer $1,000 in financial funding to reduce tuition costs for female Iowa residents who are actively pursuing a major in physical education with the career goal of coaching women’s sports. Preference will be given to young women from Spencer and the surrounding area, those interested in coaching volleyball or basketball, and undergraduate students with strong academic achievement.

Contact

Tillie & Janzte Huismann Scholarship
189 Schindler Education Center
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
(319) 273-2265
kerri.clopton@uni.edu

23. Tobin Sorenson Physical Education Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Annually, the Pi Lambda Theta national honor society will award the Tobin Sorenson Physical Education Scholarship for $1,000 to outstanding college students who intend to pursue careers in K-12 school settings as physical education teachers, adapted physical education teachers, recreational therapists, or athletic coaches. Applicants must have sophomore or higher standing at an accredited U.S. institution, display potential for leadership, have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher, and demonstrate extra-curricular involvement in physical/sports activities.

Contact

Tobin Sorenson Physical Education Scholarship
320 West Eighth Street Suite 216
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 339-1156
plt@pdkintl.org

24. Willis Ball Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

In honor of the first African American to graduate from Western Washington University in the class of 1956, the Willis Ball Memorial Scholarship is privately funded to provide $1,000 annually to an extraordinary student at WWU who is pursuing a major in physical education, community health, or recreation. Qualified applicants must be enrolled full-time, demonstrate academic promise, be from an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority group, have financial need, and be involved in community service.

Contact

Willis Ball Memorial Scholarship
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3471
scholarshipcenter@wwu.edu

25. Winifred Van Hagen/Rosalind Cassidy Scholarship

Deadline: January 10th

Sponsored by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD), the Winifred Van Hagen/Rosalind Cassidy Scholarship is awarded for $500 each year to the highest ranked applicant who is majoring in health, physical education, recreation, or dance at a California two or four-year institution. Applicants must have completed at least 60 semester hours of college coursework, be a member for at least one month, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show a high degree of individual responsibility.

Contact

Winifred Van Hagen/Rosalind Cassidy Scholarship
1530 El Camino Avenue Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 922-3596
membership@cahperd.org
Scholarship Link

If you have received the calling to utilize your passion for teaching to educate students about healthy eating habits, active lifestyles, recreational games, and other fitness activities for a better understanding of their bodies, then you will likely need various forms of financial aid to lessen rising costs of tuition in the pursuit of your degree in health or physical education. Luckily, these are just 25 of the excellent scholarships for health and physical education majors that are available across the United States to reduce the financial burden of academic expenses in this field.

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