Winning physical education scholarships will make it more affordable to reach your teaching goal of keeping youth healthy.
.Physical education is a teacher certification major. Fitness enthusiasts gain the pedagogical skills for motivating K-12 students’ participation in physical activity. Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign has sparked a greater focus on high-quality physical education. PE teachers are leading the way to help reverse inactivity trends. Up to 20 percent of children ages 6-11 and 18 percent of children aged 12-19 are becoming obese. Motivated teachers can work to relieve this epidemic in an education field poised for positive 10-year job growth at 8 percent.
Don’t sweat rising tuition because the following physical education scholarships can support your calling to boost students’ wellness.
Top Physical Education Scholarship Options Available
1. Alpha Delta Kappa Future Educator Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Alpha Delta Kappa is the international honor society for female teachers. It offers a $1,000 Future Educator Scholarship to current members. They must be pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in any teaching field, including physical education. Eligibility criteria requires:
- attending an accredited U.S. teacher’s college
- carrying a B academic average or higher
- approaching their final two semesters
- actively participating in volunteer activities
- attaching two university letters of recommendation.
Contact
Alpha Delta Kappa Future Educator Scholarship
1615 West 92nd. Street
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 363-5525
scholarships@alphadeltakappa.org
2. Bushaw-Redumis PLT Leadership Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
Pi Lambda Theta uses a generous donation from William J. Bushaw, PhD, and his wife Irene to annually disburse several Bushaw-Redumis PLT Leadership Scholarships for $500. Eligible undergraduate members for this physical education scholarship must:
- attend a regionally accredited college at least half-time, pursue a teaching major like physical education
- excel academically with a major GPA of 3.5 or higher
- exhibit leadership capacity in PLT Chapter activities.
Contact
Bushaw-Redumis PLT Leadership Scholarships
320 W. Eighth Street Suite 216
Bloomington, IN 47404
(800) 766-1156
plt@pdkintl.org
3. CANFIT Undergraduate Scholarships
Deadline: March 31st
The California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness is sponsored by the Tides Center. It gifts two to five undergraduate physical education scholarships of up to $1,500 each. Funding is designed to support minority students including:
- Black
- Native American
- Alaska Native
- Asian
- Pacific Islander
- Latino
They must be earning bachelor’s degrees in nutrition or physical education. Required is having completed 50+ semester units at a WASC-accredited college in California with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Contact
CANFIT Undergraduate Scholarships
P.O. Box 3989
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 644-1533
info@canfit.org
4. Carolyn D. Vanacore Athlete Scholarship
Deadline: June 15th
The Carolyn D. Vanacore Athlete Scholarship is worth $1,000 over two $500 installments. It is granted by the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. It supports varsity athletes who are pursuing careers in fitness. Physical education majors must:
- be female
- attain junior or senior status
- have lived in Connecticut
- attend an accredited U.S. institution full-time
- hold a 2.7 QPR or better
- write a 400-word essay about their athletic participation.
Contact
Carolyn D. Vanacore Athlete Scholarship
376 Buttonball Lane
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 584-7812
skenej@glastonburyus.org
5. Coach Kevin Ferguson Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
The John Randolph Foundation is one of Virginia’s 14 health legacy charities. It’s provided over $16 million in tuition assistance, including the Coach Kevin Ferguson Scholarship. This is a $1,500, merit-based program. It selects seniors or graduates of Prince George County Public Schools who will pursue careers in physical education. Eligible applicants for this physical education scholarship must:
- register for at least six credits per term
- hold a cumulative GPA above 2.0
- display good sportsmanship.
Contact
Coach Kevin Ferguson Scholarship
112 North Main Street
P.O. Box 1606
Hopewell, VA 23860
(804) 458-2239
bfalls@johnrandolphfoundation.org
6. Dan Whitworth Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation offers the Dan Whitworth Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 yearly. It’s for college-bound seniors or current undergrads who are majoring in sports-related fields, such as:
- physical education
- kinesiology
- movement science
- parks and recreation
Interested candidates must:
- matriculate full-time at Texas universities
- achieve a cumulative 2.5 GPA or greater
- score at least 850 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT
- participate in athletic activities.
Contact
Dan Whitworth Memorial Scholarship
421 North IH 35
P.O. Box 1789
Georgetown, TX 78627
(512) 863-9400
kmcgrath@suddenlinkmail.com
7. Dorothea Deitz Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The Women’s Sport Foundation manages the Dorothea Deitz Endowed Scholarship. It was created by 39-time Grand Slam tennis champion Billie Jean King. It encourages female students to enroll in physical education programs for teacher certification. To earn $1,000, applicants to these physical education scholarships must have:
- graduated from New York State high schools
- participated in varsity athletics
- attained a minimum B average overall
- contributed to community service
- shown physical education competence.
Contact
Dorothea Deitz Endowed Scholarship
1899 Hempstead Turnpike Suite 400
East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 307-3915
LFlores@WomensSportsFoundation.org
8. Dr. Alvin & Monica Saake Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
The Dr. Alvin & Monica Saake Scholarship was named after the late University of Hawai’i basketball team head coach and his wife. It’s conferred by the Hawai’i Community Foundation for $1,000 to $2,500 annually. Accepted majors include:
- athletic training
- sports medicine
- physical education
- leisure studies
- kinesiology
Interested applicants for this physical education scholarship must also:
- be college juniors or higher
- have a minimum 2.7 GPA
- legally reside in Hawai’i
- attend four-year, nonprofit U.S. institutions
- need financial assistance.
Contact
Dr. Alvin & Monica Saake Scholarship
4139 Hardy Street Suite C
Lihue, Hawaii 96766
(808) 566-5570
scholarships@hcf-hawaii.org
9. Jane Maver & Ray Anne Shrader Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
The Department of Health and Kinesiology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, gifts the Jane Maver & Ray Anne Shrader Scholarship. It’s $1,000 to support juniors and seniors in the undergraduate curriculum for physical education. Applicants must:
- have completed 45+ credits in residence
- show promise in student teaching
- have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5
- participate in campus activities.
Contact
Jane Maver & Ray Anne Shrader Scholarship
800 West Stadium Avenue
West Lafayette, IN 47907
(765) 494-8482
hkscholarships@purdue.edu
10. JCC of North America Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
The Jewish Community Center Association of North America provides a Graduate Scholarship program valued at $10,000 per year. It’s for students of any faith who agree to work at any JCC nationwide for two years post-graduation. Eligible recipients will be pursuing their first master’s degree full-time at accredited U.S. institutions in accepted fields, including:
- physical education
- health education
- early childhood education
- recreation management.
Contact
JCC of North America Graduate Scholarship
520 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(212) 786-5093
scholarship@jcca.org
11. Karen J. Dowd Leadership Scholarship
Deadline: September 23rd
The Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance awards the Karen J. Dowd Leadership Scholarship. It’s for up to $1,000 to current members in good standing who are studying relevant majors, including PE. Applicants for this physical education scholarship will be:
- juniors or seniors with over 60 college-level credits
- matriculating full-time at Oklahoma universities
- presenting a grade point average over 3.0
- writing a 500-word professional philosophy essay.
Contact
Karen J. Dowd Leadership Scholarship
7777 S. Lewis Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74171
(918) 495-6161
oahperdorganization@gmail.com
12. Mary Lampe Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 15th
The Minnesota Society of Health and Physical Educators started the Mary Lampe Scholarship Program. It honors the UMN coach who testified before the U.S. Senate in Title IX hearings about female discrimination in sports. For the $500 award, nominees must:
- be SHAPE America Central District members
- pursue undergrad or post-grad study in physical education full-time
- contribute to movements for healthy active lifestyles
- provide an itemized financial need statement.
Contact
Mary Lampe Scholarship Program
801 Hamilton Drive
Duluth, MN 55811
(218) 726-7120
minnesotashape@gmail.com
13. Mildred Murray Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 21st
At Towson University, the College of Health Professions houses several scholarships for physical education. Included is the Mildred Murray Scholarship Fund. This $2,400 program selects full-time juniors and seniors who are completing the physical education program for Maryland teacher licensure. They must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Preference is given to students participating in inter-scholastic athletics.
Also consider the Stephen C. Broy Memorial and Jennifer L. Thomas Memorial Scholarships.
Contact
Mildred Murray Scholarship Fund
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252
(410) 704-2376
tukinesiology@towson.edu
14. Robert Hampton Student Scholarship
Deadline: May 22nd
The Robert Hampton Student Scholarship is offered by the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. It distributes $1,000 to full-time juniors or seniors who are in baccalaureate majors related to their mission. Physical education students should:
- hold 75+ non-remedial credits
- carry a minimum B average
- participate in state or national organizations
- serve as good role models to children
- have verifiable financial need.
Contact
Robert Hampton Student Scholarship
1301 Columbia College Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 786-3384
scahperd@columbiasc.edu
15. Ruby P. “Bela” Herlong Scholarship
Deadline: March 10th
At Winthrop University, theRichard W. Riley College of Education offers the Ruby P. “Bela” Herlong Scholarship for $500 to $1,000. It’s for South Carolina residents who are majoring in elementary education or physical education. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. First preference is given to undergraduates from Saluda County, including Batesburg-Leesville and Monetta. Students must submit:
- a three-page application
- resume
- 500-word personal statement
- two faculty references.
Contact
Ruby P. “Bela” Herlong Scholarship
701 Oakland Avenue
Rock Hill, SC 29733
(803) 323-2151
draned@winthrop.edu
16. Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
Deadline: October 15th
Annually, the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship honors her 1954-56 SHAPE America leadership. It awards $1,250 to three bachelor’s and $1,750 to two master’s or doctoral students who are studying:
- health education
- physical education
- dance
- recreation
Eligibility criteria requires:
- having at least 12 months of college remaining
- registering at accredited four-year U.S. institutions
- excelling with a 3.5 GPA or better
- being a current SHAPE member
- displaying strong character.
Contact
Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-9527
phartle@shapeamerica.org
17. Sam and Peggy Johnson PE Scholarship
Deadline: March 11th
The Sam and Peggy Johnson PE Scholarship stands out among Bemidji State University’s physical education scholarships for providing the largest amount at $3,000. The College of Health Sciences & Human Ecology seeks applicants who:
- are working toward their bachelor’s degree full-time
- have 30 or more credits
- major in physical education for teacher certification
- show involvement in departmental activities
Other PE funds include the Otto Erickson Memorial and Hazel Leland Scholarships.
Contact
Sam and Peggy Johnson PE Scholarship
1500 Birchmont Drive NE #29
Bemidji, MN 56601
(218) 755-2940
jwhite@bemidjistate.edu
18. Stacy Stover Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
The Community Foundation of Findlay-Hancock County administers the Stacy Stover Memorial Scholarship. It honors the Bluffton College alumna who:
- worked for McComb Schools
- played for Findlay City Coed Volleybal
- volunteered at Open Arms Shelter
Interested Ohioans must:
- be graduating from Patrick Henry High School or Hancock County High School
- enter teacher preparation programs like physical education full-time
- be U.S. citizens
- maintain a 2.0 GPA or better through high school
- have financial need.
Contact
Stacy Stover Memorial Scholarship
101 W. Sandusky Street Suite 207
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 425-1100
sjoseph@community-foundation.com
19. Ted and Eloise Pfeiff Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
This is for graduating high school seniors from Iowa’s Davenport, Bettendorf, and Pleasant Valley districts. They could qualify for the Ted and Eloise Pfeiff Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Great River Bend. This renewable fund worth $14,000 total offers $3,000 for the first two years and $4,000 for the last two years. Eligible candidates must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any education major, such as physical education, with academic excellence.
Contact
Ted and Eloise Pfeiff Scholarship
852 Middle Road Suite 100
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 326-2840
info@cfgrb.org
20. William A. Crawford Minority Scholarship
Deadline: September 4th
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education publicly funds the William A. Crawford Minority Scholarship. It grants up to $4,000 for Black and Hispanic students. They must be pursuing a course of study for teaching licensure, including physical education. Scholarship terms require teaching in Indiana public schools for at least three years post-graduation. Eligible applicants must:
- be U.S. citizens
- attend Indiana universities full-time
- pursue their first bachelor’s degree
- complete a FAFSA form.
Contact
William A. Crawford Minority Scholarship
101 W. Ohio Street Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 464-4400
earnindiana@che.in.gov
We aren’t playing games when we say college costs are at an all-time high. Over the past 20 years, tuition has risen steadily faster than inflation and wage increases. Bachelor’s and master’s degree expenses can be tough to swallow on the modest average salary of $48,468 for physical education teachers.
Financial aid packages filled with free scholarships are vital to protect your teaching future from vast loan debt. Slim down your tuition bills and get your finances in shape with some of these scholarships for physical education.
GCD Staff
See also:
- 20 Best Deals: Small Colleges for Athletic Types
- 50 Fittest College Towns in America
- 50 Best Deals on Competitive Small Colleges
- Top 50 Great Deals on Bachelor’s Degrees Online
- Top 20 Deals on Small Colleges in Texas
- Top 50 Best Colleges in Texas
- 20 Best Deals on Colleges that Don’t Require SAT
- 20 Highest Paying Bachelor Degrees
This concludes our coverage of the top physical education scholarships available today.