Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarships are awarded to self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) student-athletes who have contributed to the sport in which they participate and enhanced the perception of the LGBTQ+ community as a result of their contributions and involvement. Candidates must demonstrate dedication to both academic and athletic excellence as well as show promise as an LGBTQ+ role model.
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Eligibility Criteria

• Reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area comprising Arlington County (VA), Calvert County (MD), the District of Columbia, City of Alexandria (VA), Fairfax County (VA), Loudoun County (VA), Montgomery County (MD), Prince George’s County (MD), Prince William County (VA), and St. Mary’s County (MD), Charles County (MD) and Anne Arundel County (MD).
• Self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.
  IMPORTANT: Team DC is aware of potential issues around self-disclosure, and we respect the privacy of all applicants. Applicants do not have to be public in their self-disclosure, but they must self-identify as LGBTQ in order to be considered for this scholarship.
• Attend high school as a senior with demonstrated academic success.
• Participate actively in interscholastic athletics or a competitive sport (club sport, recreational league, etc.). Sports include, but are not limited to, baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading/competitive cheer, crew, cross country, fencing, figure skating, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, sailing, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, or wrestling. Activity in other sports may be considered.
  NOTE: Applicants receiving other athletic scholarships must adhere to all NCAA rules concerning eligibility and reporting requirements.
• Intend to enroll in a full-time, undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

Applicants for the Team DC Student-athlete Scholarship cannot be related to a member or the domestic partner of any member of the Team DC Scholarship Committee or Team DC Executive Committee and staff.

Recipient’s Obligations

Acceptance of the scholarship constitutes permission for Team DC to recognize the recipient in name as a recipient of the scholarship in the organization’s publications and announcements. Team DC is aware of potential issues around self-disclosure and respects the privacy of all applicants when possible.

Scholarship recipients agree to provide official documentation indicating full-time enrollment at the college or university of their choice before scholarship funds are awarded.  Failure to supply documentation as a registered, degree-seeking student will result in revocation of the full amount of the award.

Although not required, scholarship recipients are extremely encouraged to attend the annual Night of Champions Gala, which includes an awards ceremony for the Team DC Student-athlete Scholarship recipients.

Application Requirements

The Team DC Student-athlete Scholarship application comprises different components that the committee uses to assess the applicant. Each component can be submitted electronically through our online form or emailed to [email protected] or by mailing to the following address:

Team DC: Scholarship Committee
C/O DC Center
2000 14th ST NW
Suite 105
Washington, DC 20009

APPLICATIONS DUE February 15th, 2025

The following components are required to complete the Team DC Student-athlete Scholarship application :

• Form with contact information found on the Team DC website.
• Official, sealed high school transcript mailed to Team DC or emailed from a school administrator’s account to [email protected].
• Personal essay (maximum of 1,500 words) describing how inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ athletes in school sports has played an essential role in your life. How has your openness about your sexual orientation or gender identity impacted your participation and involvement in athletics, school life, and life outside of school? 
• Two (2) letters of support from individuals qualified to address the candidate’s suitability for this award.
• OPTIONAL: Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The SAR is a summary of the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need may be considered in situations where the applicants are equally qualified.

In order to award a scholarship, the recipient must supply a copy of the acceptance letter for their chosen college or university. Team DC is unable to award funds until this acceptance letter has been received. Although not required prior to awarding a scholarship, consider this an application requirement although this letter can be submitted after the application deadline.

Scholarship Recipient Notification

Scholarship recipients will be notified both by email and in writing at the provided address. Scholarship funds will be made in one installment upon receipt of official notification of enrollment or registration for classes. Team DC reserves the right to make payment directly to the college or university on behalf of the recipient.

Scholarship recipients and a guest will also receive an invite to attend the annual Night of Champions Gala, April April 5th, which celebrates the Team DC Student-athlete Scholarship recipients for their accomplishments.

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Contact Us

Team DC is here to help you with any concerns or questions you may have about the scholarship. You can direct any inquires directly to [email protected].