Bob Warnicke Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Bicycle Leauge

Overview / History
The Bob Warnicke Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 to honor the late vice president of the National Bicycle League, Bob Warnicke, who died on November 16, 1994 at age 48. During a decade of active involvement in BMX, Bob was pivotal in bringing the sport to a national audience through the "NBL Road to Glory Series" broadcasts on ESPN and ESPN2. In recognition of his television promotion efforts and volunteer service, he was named the NBL’s Volunteer of the Year at Competition Congress in 1994. The scholarship continues his commitment to BMX youth by supporting education for deserving USA BMX and BMX Canada members.

Purpose
The scholarship fund was created to help students and their families offset costs related to undergraduate college, trade school, or other accredited post-secondary education.

Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a current USA BMX or BMX Canada license, or be Track Operators/Officials who participate in events sanctioned by USA BMX/BMX Canada.

Key Dates
- Application deadline: January 26, 2026 (applications received after this date will be disqualified).
- Award announcement: April 17, 2026 on the USA BMX website.

Award Distribution
Recipients will receive notification by mail and a form to complete and return to USA BMX. After the completed form is received, award funds will be issued by check directly to the financial aid office of the recipient’s designated school.

Selection Process
A Scholarship Committee will evaluate all application packets and choose recipients based on merit and fit. The committee may conduct a formal in-person or telephone interview with finalists.

Qualifications (applicants must meet all)
1. Be a high school senior, a high school graduate, or currently enrolled in post-secondary education at the time of application.
2. Be accepted to, and plan to attend, an accredited post-secondary institution as a full-time or part-time student for the full award year.
3. Hold a current USA BMX/BMX Canada license or be a Track Operator/Official active in BMX events sanctioned by USA BMX/BMX Canada.

Application Checklist and Procedure
1. Complete the official scholarship application form.
2. If you are currently in high school or are changing colleges, include a copy of your school acceptance letter. If you have not yet received your acceptance, include a note stating so and email the acceptance letter to [email protected] as soon as you receive it.
3. Provide two letters of recommendation:
- One letter must come from a USA BMX/BMX Canada Track Operator or Official who is not a relative.
- One letter must be from a school/college guidance counselor, teacher, or business reference who is not a relative.
- Letters should describe your strengths and explain why you deserve the award. Applicants who applied in prior years must use different recommenders this year.
4. Submit a personal essay (maximum one page) answering: “What have you learned from someone who is very different from you and how have you applied that to your own life today? Please elaborate.”
5. Include an official, current transcript from the school(s) you attend that shows your name and current GPA.
6. Attach two photos for publication: one headshot without a helmet and one photo in full race gear.

Important Notes
- Verify that all required documents are included before submitting your application.
- Incomplete applications or submissions missing any of the stated requirements will not be considered.
- Do not submit application items separately—all materials must accompany the formal application packet.
- Late applications will be automatically disqualified.

Questions
For questions about the scholarship or submission process, contact Connie Shepler at [email protected].