All 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.  Team DC Scholars

Eligibility Criteria

• Student must 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).
• Student must 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.
• Student must be currently enrolled as a high school or post secondary enrollment senior with demonstrated academic success.
• Student must actively participate in interscholastic athletics or some other competitive sport (club sport, recreational league, etc.). Sports include, but are not limited to, baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading/competitive cheer, crew, cross country, dance, fencing, figure skating, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, marching band, rugby, sailing, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, or wrestling. Activity in other sports may be considered. Reach out to [email protected] NOTE: Applicants receiving other athletic scholarships must adhere to all NCAA rules concerning eligibility and reporting requirements.
• Applicant must 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 or staff.
• To be considered for scholarship all applicants must have a completed application packet.  Application packet materials:
  • Application form
  • Personal Essay – An essay (maximum of 1,500 words) Essays could include or answer the following questions: How has inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ athletes in school sports 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? As and athlete and member of the LGBTQ+ Community what are your qualifications or experience as a leader or ambassador for our community? Please submit the essay with an application or applicants may email this to [email protected] or mail to Team DC along with other materials. If sending a link to a google document, please make sure permissions are shared with [email protected]
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to address the candidate’s suitability for this award (eg; coach, teacher, faculty member, boss) The letter should detail the relationship the supporter has with the applicant and include contact information (email and phone number) of the supporter. The author of the letter should mail the signed and sealed letter to Team DC or they can email their recommendation from an institutional email address to [email protected].  Letters of Recommendation submitted by the applicant will not be accepted [email protected] or mailed to Team DC office. 
  • Official transcript submitted to [email protected] from a school administrator account or mailed in a sealed envelope to Team DC office.
  • Highly recommended (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. This information may be included in your application  materials via application form or  mailed to Team DC or sent by email to [email protected]
• Completed Application Packets are due February 15th, 2025
• * Scholarship applicants will be notified by the end of February.  Scholarship winners will be notified in writing and by phone call.  Scholarship winners will be celebrated at the Team DC Night of Champions Gala, hosted at Hilton National Mall/Wharf April 5th 2025 at 6:00PM.  Gala attendance is not required to receive a scholarship but is highly encouraged and free for winner and a guest.  Team DC Scholars also are awarded opportunities to be ambassadors at all Team DC summer events including Team DC Pride Night OUT at Washington Nationals, Washington Spirit, Washington Mystics, DC United, Capital Pride Parade.