Heisman High School Scholarship The Heisman High School Scholarship is a prestigious award program designed to honor the nation’s most accomplished and community-minded high school senior athletes. By recognizing the extraordinary achievements of male and female students from schools across the United States, the program aims to inspire all students to harness their potential, push their limits, and use their talents to advance their own futures and improve the communities around them.
The Heisman High School Scholarship was established in 1994 through a partnership between Wendy’s and The Heisman Trophy Trust. Leveraging the reputation of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, which symbolizes great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work, the scholarship program has become a beacon of excellence. Over the past 29 years, it has honored more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors and provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in college scholarships to students, as well as more than a million dollars to high school academic and athletic programs across the country.
Funding Information
The Heisman High School Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. Scholarships are distributed as follows:
- State Winners: $1,000 scholarship awarded to one senior male and one senior female from each state.
- National Finalists: $2,000 scholarship awarded to 10 National Finalists who do not become National Winners.
- National Winners: $10,000 scholarship awarded to one senior male and one senior female from the National Finalists.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Heisman High School Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a graduating senior planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2024-2025 academic year.
- Maintain a cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better.
- Participate or have participated in at least one of the sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the Paralympic Games, and/or the National Federation of State High School Associations.
- Demonstrate leadership and involvement in school and community activities.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
Application Process
Interested students must complete an application form, which includes an essay, and provide recommendations or references. The application deadline is October 17, 2023. The selection process emphasizes applicants who embody good sportsmanship and strong moral character, display academic excellence, are passionate about empowering their communities, and exhibit leadership qualities.
Judging Criteria
The Heisman High School Scholarship seeks students who:
- Embody Good Sportsmanship and Strong Moral Character: Trusted and respected members of their schools and communities who have built strong relationships and left a lasting impact.
- Display Academic Excellence: Intellectually curious students who set high academic goals and excel in their studies.
- Commit to Community Empowerment: Individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of others.
- Exhibit Leadership: Confident, enthusiastic, and honest leaders who take on challenges for the greater good.
- Come from Diverse Backgrounds: Students with unique life stories, varied academic ambitions, and participation in a wide range of sports.
- Exemplify Heisman Scholar Attributes: Proactive, highly motivated, inspiring, charismatic, honest, trustworthy, genuine, strong, and courageous individuals.
Impact and Benefits
The Heisman High School Scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes and nurtures the talents and leadership of student-athletes who make a positive impact on their communities. The scholarship can be used toward educational expenses such as tuition, books, and fees, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies and continue to excel in their academic and athletic pursuits.